The Halloween Season(Martha Hume) October 31,

Samhain ( Halloween) is observed from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st. It is the celebration that is the origin of Halloween. Samhain was first observed by Celtics. Society called us Pagans. Samhain marks the Celtic New Year, the end of summer, and the end of the harvest season. It also signaled the beginning of winter, which they associated with death. On this day, the Celts believed the veil between the living and the dead was lifted or especially thin. This allowed spirits of the dead to visit the living.

I know the spirits can and do visit the living. This visitation is increased on Samhain ( Halloween) . This horrifies and excites me. As a Wiccan (I am not a practicing Wiccan), I've seen Wiccans respectfully observing their Samhain belief. I've also observed the aftermath of others who have chosen to observe darker rituals. The Wiccans I have known do not condone ritualistic animal sacrifice. They practice the philosophy "Do no harm." This Cardinal law includes all living creatures including animals and plants.

There are many rituals associated with Samhain today. These include dancing, feasting, taking nature walks, and building altars to honor their ancestors.

There are many parts to the altars Wiccans build to symbolize the end of the harvest. They include apples, pumpkins, or other fall crops. To represent the spirits of the dead, skulls or skeletons are placed on the altar. Photos of deceased family members are also added. Some Wiccans bake loaves of special Samhain bread for the altar, to feed visiting spirits.

Some Wiccan families cast a circle and think of their deceased loved ones. As a part of the ritual, they will share stories of their ancestors. Some families choose to visit the cemetery to honor their family members, instead. As a believing Christian, I've shared stories about my loved ones believed to be in the afterlife. I have frequently visited their graves and left flowers. The altar to my ancestors is in my heart.

October 31, 2018 - November 2, 2018 - Día de los Muertos is translated in English as Day of the Dead.
Those who celebrate the holiday believe that at midnight on October 31, the souls of deceased children come down from heaven and reunite with their families . Having never experienced motherhood there will be a limited number of spirit children visiting me.

Observing a day of the Dead began in central and southern Mexico thousands of years ago. mourning the dead was seen as disrespectful. Instead of grieving, it was more important to keep the memory of those who have passed alive.

The Christian festival of All Saints Day comes from a belief that there is a spiritual connection between those in Heaven and on Earth. In Catholic tradition, the holiday honors all those who have passed on to the Kingdom of Heaven. In Methodist tradition, All Saints Day is about giving God earnest gratitude for the lives and deaths of his saints, and remembering all of them. Additionally, select individuals from Christian history are celebrated. Such figures are Peter the Apostle and Charles Wesley. Those who have personally guided one to faith in Jesus, such as one's relative or friend are also celebrated.

In the Roman Catholic observances, November 1, is All Saints Day. They believe the souls of deceased adults come to visit on November 2, which is also known as All Souls Day.

The Protestant religion, I belong to, observe All Saints Day. With all night youth celebrations of Bible Study, prayer and songs. Games, lots of games are included in the celebration. And yes, there is plenty of food. If we dare, we take a casual stroll through the church cemetery. This is mostly observed by dating couples.

Those un- partnered or with less courage sit at the cemetery gate and tell ghost stories.

On the first of November, Western Christian church goers will celebrate All Saints Day. This day is also known as All Hallows' Day, Hallowmas, or the Feast of All Saints. Eastern Christians celebrate this holiday on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

This holiday, whether it is observed as Samhain, Halloween, or All Saints Day, is a holy day of obligation in Catholicism. This means Catholics are required to attend mass that day. As the name suggests, the holiday honors all the Saints of the church. On this day, celebrators gather in fellowship and hopefully brotherly love.

The holiday has slightly different meanings to different persuasion believers, However, they are united in that they are renewing and reaffirming their faith by celebrating the significance of the important lives and the influence that has made them the person they've become.

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