Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

Happy Samhain, everyone!

I figure most or all of the people who I know read my journal already know this, but for anyone else who doesn't get the subject, Samhain is the Celtic new year. The Christian holiday All Saints Day (aka All Hallows) was put on the same date, probably to distract Celts from their Pagan celebration when the Church was expanding into that area, but Samhain traditions wound up being associated with All Hallow's Eve (Hallowe'en) anyhow. Those traditions have evolved and mutated, becoming the ones we know now. So if you've ever wondered what Trick-or-Treat, ghosties, and costumes have to do with All Hallows Day, there's the connection.

The way I've heard it explained, the reason the barrier between the worlds is weakest at Samhain (thus allowing ghosts to come visit) is that Samhain is sort of a space in between two years, a little hole in time. (One source I've read also says that Samhain properly lasts ten days.)

Though I'm a Christian, the things that I really like about Hallowe'en are all things inherited from the older holidy, Samhain. So while I don't worship the old Celtic gods, I'm willing to borrow a part of their calendar because it makes my favourite holiday extra special.

(Note that while Samhain/Hallowe'en is my favourite holiday, it's not the most important holiday. For me, the most important would have to be Easter, celebrating the ressurection of my Saviour and the message of salvation through Him. Samhain isn't as important as that, but it's certainly a lot of fun.)

(Note also that Samhain does tend to be especially dear to transgendered people, and the magickal aspects of it appeal to mystics as long as they're not being annoyed at those aspects being portrayed in a somewhat cartoonish fashion. Being in both groups, it's hardly surprising that Samhain is my favourite holiday.)