All Hallows' Eve

All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara When one thinks of Halloween, the majority of the responses would be ghouls, vampires, scary movies, trick (or trunk) and treat for kids, and lots of candy. However, the celebration is deeply rooted in ancient religious themes. The term, Halloween means All Hallows' Eve. The etymology of the word ‘hallow’ reveals that it comes from the Proto-Germanic *hailagon , Old Saxon helagon, Middle Dutch heligen, Old Norse helga, and from Proto-Indo-European language root *kailo- meaning "whole, uninjured, of good omen”. As an example, the Lord’s Prayer from the Christian tradition, states “hallowed by thy name”. Halloween or All Hallows' Eve is the eve (October 31st) of the celebration of all those hallowed. Accordingly, Roman Catholics celebrate All (Hallowed) Saints day on November 1st of every year. A lesser-known commemoration is All Souls’ Day, which would follow on November 2nd. The Celts, from Ireland and nearby areas, as early as 500 BCE, first celebrated Samhain. This is a pagan religious festival. The word Samhain is rooted in the Irish Gaelic word samhuinn) and from Old Irish word samain, which literally means “summer's end”. Notably, from Old Irish sam "summer" and fuin "end." The macabre environs that are associated with Halloween, such as ghosts, the dead entering our world, and communing with spirits, can be traced to Samhain. With the influx of Christianity in many western cultures, one might have expected the eradication of this scary celebration, but instead Christian societies embraced the holiday.1 1 Mullally, Erin. “SAMHAIN REVIVAL.” Archaeology, 34 Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara Two opposing groups have given much attention to Halloween in modern times. One in a positive manner and other in a negative way. These groups are the new-age adherents and the religious right. New-age adherents have stressed the beneficial qualities of Halloween. Specifically, how the celebration is helping people access the realms of legend and imagination and reconcile with their fears of change and death. The Christian evangelists, in contrast, have condemned its glorification of evil. Some have even claimed that Halloween is where witches meet to worship the devil. They have even advised school boards to ban Halloween celebrations because of the day’s blatantly un-Christian implications. These people do not grasp the erudition of Halloween. We can dismiss the thought that the Samhain celebration is “satanic” and certainly, that Halloween is a “satanic ritual”. Although a few pre-Christian religions depicted a dualistic struggle between the God of Light and the God of Darkness, Satanism is essentially a Christian creation, a travesty of Christian forms centered on the fallen rebel angel (star), Lucifer. In fact, the standard doctrine of the early Christian church left little room for Satan. The term sâtan is Hebrew: ‫ ָּׂשטָּׂ ן‬for accuser. He made his first appearance in the Book of Job, whereas from the academic perspective, Satan worked for God and was on his high court. The book of Job looks at the problem of theodicy. Satan took orders from God in the book of Job. He was not an opponent of Gods in the Hebrew bible. Satan first appeared as an opponent in the New Testament, and came to the forefront in the writings of St. Augustine. Satanism was in discord with the polytheism of the ancient Celtic religion. Indeed, the belief in the satanic flourished in the late medieval era when it was formed as part of the persecutory discourse against Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara heretics and witches. All of this happened long after the demise of the ancient Celtic Samhain festival. Satanism, and how it understood in modern times, has no root in Halloween.2 One might consider that in the modern era, Halloween is the “last stand” of the goblins, witches, vampires, and ghosts. This is because the next day (Nov 1st All-Saints Day), sainthood and holiness are recognized and commemorated. In reality, the archetypal ‘monsters’ of Halloween are tame and benevolent. Halloween has become a harmless gala with good fun for kids and adults alike. In Irish mythology, the Samhain festival is considered to be the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). This period of time views the division between the corporeal world and the metaphysical world as attenuated, therefore the portal between the two worlds is vulnerable to allow spirits to pass through. Each year, during the latter part of October, is when the natural world is perceived as dying. The harvest is complete, plants, grass and trees have appeared to have died but actually have gone dormant and livestock have been slaughtered for the winter. Many animals, like bears, bats, and groundhogs to name a few, hibernate. Combining these factors together with the disappearing sun, the ancient Celts felt that the Samhain period was this phase of each year in which the world of the living beings and the spiritual realm were closest. People would wear costumes and masks to disguise themselves as harmful spirits to avoid mistreatment.3 2 3 Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween : From Pagan Ritual to Party Night. 24-26 Gilroy, John. “Samhain (Samain) - The Celtic Roots of Halloween Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara The Hill of Ward in County Meath, Ireland existed as one of the foremost spiritual sites for the ancient Celts, and the Samhain festival. This festival was first celebrated millennia ago. The Samhain festival took place each year from sunset on October 31 to sunset on November 1, which marks the beginning of winter and the transition to a new year. The ancient Celts believed that this night marked a critical spiritual transition, when the spirits of all who had died since the previous Oiche Shamhna ("Night of Samhain") moved on to the next life. Tradition has it that the ancient Celts assembled on Hill of Ward on October 31 and built a sacred fire on which sacrifices were offered to thank their pagan gods for a successful harvest. Considering that, the Irish climate is typically cool and rainy and add to the fact that the darkness was prominent during wintertime as the sun was near its lowest point, it is, therefore, logical to assume that there was a huge concern among the ancient Celts regarding the lack of sunlight and warmth. These factors likely further precipitated this Celtic myth and the need for the Samhain Festival.4 Many have misinterpreted Samhain to be the Celtic god of death. This is one of the most resolute errors associated with Halloween. Research from scholars have discovered that Halloween had its origins among the ancient Celts and is based on the Samhain Festival. However, a writer in the 18th century incorrectly specified that Samhain is named after the famous Celtic "god of the dead." 4 Mullally, Erin. “SAMHAIN REVIVAL.” Archaeology, 35 Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara There was no such deity ever recognized or celebrated. Many religious conservatives who are opposed to Halloween heeded this ‘hearsay’ and believed such to be valid without checking the accuracy. However, this idea is erroneous. Within the last two decades, many secular newspapers, television and radio programs had misconstrued this ‘hearsay’ and propagated it widely. Universally, many people now accept this information as valid, particularly those that claim to be conservative Protestants. 5 Halloween has evolved from the Samhain festival as the common colors are black and orange; as black represents the end of summer and orange represents new season of autumn. Many ancient Celtics would dress up disguised as ghosts to get food and treats left for the wandering spirits. Regarding the tricks aspect of Halloween, some speculate that it started back in Scotland, as the celebrants would go from door to door on "All Souls day" saying prayers for the dead and their souls. The celebrants would receive food in return.6 5 6 Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween : From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, 33 Oraby, Mahmoud. “Et Scares: Famous Halloween Traditions” Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara In the Celtic tradition, the significance of the Hill of Ward begins in ancient Celtic mythology with the story of the druidess Tlachtga, the daughter of a sun god named Mug Ruith. The legend tells us that Tlachtga was attacked and raped by the three sons of her father’s mentor, a powerful wizard named Simon Magus. This is where Celtic mythology crosses over to Christian Gnosticism (gnostic Ancient Greek: γνῶσις gnōsis, knowledge. Later construed to mean ‘secret knowledge’). In this Gnostic tradition, Simon Magus was a magician and Sorcerer. He is also mentioned in the orthodox biblical texts. Some scholars even suggest he was the founder of one version of Gnosticism (Note: There are many versions). Tlachtga was given the title ‘Goddess of the Sun’ and gave birth to three sons, one from each of three fathers, at the site of the Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara Hill of Ward. According to legend, Tlachtga died there during childbirth. In her honor and because of the Samhain fire ceremonies that took place on the hill, the Hill of Ward was named Tlachtga. This ceremony was an attempt to proliferate light and warmth against the growing darkness of winter.7 Until recently, much of Ireland’s archaeologically prosperous Boyne Valley had been ignored. However, archaeological and historical research had begun in the summer of 2014 at the Hill of Ward. Archaeologists were hoping to ascertain more details and understand how its usage and significance evolved over the centuries. Not discarding, of course, the customary rites and festivities that eventually led to the modern holiday of Halloween. Archaeological research in the area have determined that the Hill of Ward was built in three separate stages over many centuries. The first period was during the Bronze Age (1200-800 BCE), while the last period was during the late Iron Age (400 and 800 CE). This was near the era of Ireland’s conversion to Christianity (400-520 CE). The physical center of the memorial was built in multiple stages and is enigmatic. Much of the excavation work completed to date at the Hill of Ward has concentrated on the middle segment, which is providing enticing clues into the ceremonial and ritual activities that may have occurred for many centuries. 8 7 8 Mullally, Erin. “SAMHAIN REVIVAL.” Archaeology, 34 Mullally, Erin. “SAMHAIN REVIVAL.” Archaeology, 35 Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara The pumpkin, also referred to a Jack O’ Lantern, has become an integral part of the Halloween celebration. The name, Jack O’ Lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. The legend says that Stingy Jack invited the Devil for an alcoholic beverage, except Stingy Jack did not want to pay for his drink. Using his slyness, Jack convinced the Devil to change himself into a coin. Jack was supposed to use this coin to pay for the drinks. However, Jack decided to keep the money and put the coin next to a silver cross. This prevented the Devil from changing back to his original self. Jack finally did free the Devil under the arrangement that the Devil would not bother Jack for a year and should Jack die, the Devil would not take his soul. That next year, Jack, again with his sly ability, tricked the Devil into climbing a tree to pick an Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara apple. During this time, Jack carved a cross in the tree, which trapped the Devil. The Devil agreed not to bother Jack for ten more years if he would free him from the tree. Jack agreed. Jack finally died. God would not permit such an unscrupulous person as Jack into heaven. The Devil, distraught by Jack’s tricks, and keeping his promise, would not allow Jack into hades. Jack wandered into the dark night with only a burning coal he put into a pumpkin to light his way and has been roaming the Earth ever since. The Irish refer to this ghastly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and later, simply “Jack O’ Lantern”.9 Some historical and religious scholars suggest that the Hindu Diwali festival and Halloween have a mutual core in antiquity. The Diwali festival was first celebrated around 500 CE (which is similar to the first Samhain celebration), when King Rama returned to his hometown of Ayodhya after being erroneously expelled to a harsh life in the forest for 14 years. The Diwali Festival of Lights occurs about the same time each year as the Samhain celebration.10 9 History.com Editors. “History of the Jack O’ Lantern.” HISTORY Gilroy, John. “Samhain (Samain) - The Celtic Roots of Halloween.” 10 Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College All Hallows' Eve By Paul F. McNamara Works Cited Gilroy, John. “Samhain (Samain) - The Celtic Roots of Halloween.” Newgrange.Com, 2019, www.newgrange.com/samhain.htm. History.com Editors. “History of the Jack O’ Lantern.” HISTORY, 7 June 2019, www.history.com/topics/halloween/jack-olantern-history. Mullally, Erin. “SAMHAIN REVIVAL.” Archaeology, vol. 69, no. 6, 2016, pp. 34–37. Oraby, Mahmoud. “Et Scares: Famous Halloween Traditions.” EgyptToday, 2019, www.egypttoday.com/Article/6/29043/et-Scares-Famous-Halloween-Traditions. Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween : From Pagan Ritual to Party Night. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2003. Author: Paul F. McNamara Roane State Community College