All Hallow’s WHFS part 1

Part 1: This Too Shall Pass

Like The Joker, Halloween has several origin stories. Not really knowing how it started is part of the appeal. We know that humans have been celebrating some iteration of Halloween for thousands of years.

From the Celtic tradition we have Samhain (Saa-win) which is likely where we get the traditions of dressing up to trick ghosts and ghouls.

From the Catholic tradition we have All Saints Day, a feast day for…all the saints. Which is like the Catholic Saints version of that episode of The Office where Jim tries to celebrate everyone’s birthday for the whole year on one day. In this scenario we’re all the Jim–even tho each saint has their own day, we can’t be bothered. Only Eastern Orthodox have time for that, so I guess Eastern Orthodox would be Michael in this example.

Halloween also has roots in pre-Hispanic traditions. Now called Dia de los Muertos, people welcome their deceased loved ones to return for a visit. Those who’ve passed are honored with sometimes elaborate alters and feasts.

This death-friendly holiday is also rooted in the Naturalist traditions like Wicca that remind us of the seasonal cycles and next up is winter.

Alter for the Great Pumpkin

I’m sure there are other roots in this Hallowed time of year and would love to learn about them. It’s pretty spooky that for thousands of years across several continents, cultures, languages etc we take time to acknowledge and address death and that often it’s with a feasts and humorous spirit!

If we compare and contrast these roots we see that they have something significant in common: the idea that everything in life is temporary, even death. Winter arrives but spring follows. Regardless of your beliefs about what happens after death, we know when our loved ones pass on their spirit lives on in our memory of them just like we live on in our loved ones memory of us (yikes, I need to make some good memories).

Ultimately, dressing up in silly, cool, or sexy costumes may seem superficial or commercial however deep down it’s an invitation to talk about our fears, it’s a time to memorialize our ancestors, and it’s a time to remember that everything is temporary so live a little, have some fun. As long as it’s not at the expense of other peoples Celebrate in a way feels authentic to you.

This year, the invitation to speak directly about death could be cathartic. Especially with all the horrifying news we all consume it seems like we need to have these tough conversations. Addressing death is still a sensitive topic so respect your and other peoples boundaries. Communicate your boundaries openly so people know how to show you respect.

Thanks for reading with your eyes, ears, hands and tentacles. Raise hell peacefully, Anne Arkhane