For early Europeans, this time of the year marked the beginning of the cold, lean months to come; the flocks were brought in from the fields to live in sheds until spring. Some animals were slaughtered, and the meat preserved to provide food for winter. The last gathering of crops was known as "Harvest Home," celebrated with fairs and festivals. Because this time calendar wise lies exactly between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice, the Celts thought it was a very potent time for communion with spirits. The "veil between the worlds" of the living and the dead is seen to be at its thinnest; so the dead were invited to return to feast with their loved ones; welcomed in from the cold, much as the animals were brought inside. Ancient customs range from placing food out for dead ancestors, to performing rituals for communicating with those who had passed over.

Not only is Samhain the end of autumn; it is also, more importantly, the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. Celtic New Year's Eve, when the New Year begins with the onset of the dark phase of the year, just as the new day begins at sundown.

The modern day customs of dressing in costume and 'trick-or-treating' is of Celtic origin with survivals particularly strong in Scotland. The wearing of costumes is an ancient practice; villagers would dress as ghosts, to escort the spirits of the dead to the outskirts of the town, at the end of the night's celebration.  The costuming tradition was not only done by children, but was actively indulged in by adults as well. "Trick or treat" as it is practiced in the U. S. is a complex custom believed to derive from several Samhain traditions, as well as being unique to this country. Since Irish immigrants were predominantly Catholic, they were more likely to observe All Soul's Day. But Ireland's folk traditions die hard, and the old ways of Samhain were remembered. The old tradition of going door to door asking for donations of money or food for the New Year's feast, was carried over to the U. S. from the British Isles. There are also the folk stories of the costumed people that would imitate the fairies and go from house to house begging for treats. Failure to supply the treats would usually result in practical jokes being visited on the owner of the house. Hogmanay was celebrated January 1st in rural Scotland, and there are records of a "trick or treat" type of custom; curses would be invoked on those who did not give generously; while those who did give from their hearts were blessed and praised. Hence, the notion of "trick or treat" was born, although this greeting was not commonly used until the 1930's in the U. S. By the 1920's, "trick or treat" became a way of letting off steam for those urban poor living in crowded conditions. Innocent acts of vandalism such as soaping windows, gave way to violent, cruel acts. Organizations like the Boy Scouts tried to organize ways for this holiday to become safe and fun; they started the practice of encouraging "good" children to visit shops and homes asking for treats, so as to prevent criminal acts. These "beggar's nights" became very popular and have evolved to what we know as Halloween today. Unfortunately, even in today's society, Halloween's modern and misrepresented reputation offers some people an excuse to do negative acts, such as Detroit's Devil's Night, where fear of fire ripping through entire communities is still real today.

 The feast of the dead is also called in many Traditions the "Dumb Feast."  Dumb in more ancient times simply meant "non-speaking," and the Ancestors were viewed as no longer being able to speak in the same sense that you and I can. So this Feast is founded on the belief and faith that the dead could, if they wished, return to the land of the living during this time period, to celebrate with their family, tribe, or clan. And so the great burial mounds of Ireland were opened up, with lighted torches lining the walls, so the dead could find their way. Extra places were set at the table and food set out for any who had died that year. And there are many stories that tell of Irish heroes making raids on the Underworld while the gates of fairy stood open, though all must return to their appointed places by cock-crow.

So, here today. let us question, "Why honor our Ancestors?"  Let us first define the term Ancestor.  This can mean someone in your genetic bloodline, and it can also mean friends and loved one who have touched our lives in strong ways.

On a really Fleshy life level, we have to thank our blood Ancestors for the very fact we are here, that we simply exist.  We are their Legacy, and they are ours.  They of course have given us more than our lives, and we find their gifts in many shapes and sizes: maybe a prized apple pie recipe, or just the right way to catch a bass; maybe our sense of humor, or love of rainy days; maybe our musical talent, or compassionate streak. Maybe you see their blue eyes when you look into the mirror, or blond hair. Maybe you like peanuts in your RC Cola because they taught you it was good. Our Ancestors are our reflections in a mirror, and through them we come to know ourselves better. Some say Look to History to know the future. This proves true in this realm as well.

We are also thankful to those loved ones and animals who have touched our lives in profound ways, making us better people. These are people who touch our lives deeply, through bonds of friendship and love. They too become our honored dead and Ancestor, and we their Legacy in some way.

Becca Stanford