Holidays & Observances: Samhain
First posted on WordPress here.
For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. :)
This is the Celtic / Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter. This is about halfway between the autumnal equinox and winter solstice. It starts annually on Oct 31st and ends on Nov 1st.
Celebrants from Ireland, Scotland and Isle of Man believe that barriers between the physical world and the spirit world break down during Samhain, allowing more interaction between humans and denizens of the Otherworld. Aptly this festival merges with the western festival of Halloween or All Hallows' Eve.
There are many rituals associated with this festival, among which commonly are dancing, feasting, taking nature walks, and building altars to honor their ancestors. I spent the evening at a Drum Circle. Having never handled any instrument in my life, this was a unique experience to be able to drum along with the other drummers. I am no expert but it was fun and energetic experience.
