Ancient Halloween traditions continue throughout the centuries

October 25, 10:31 AMGhost Hunting ExaminerPatricia Marin

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Halloween has always been my favorite time of year. October 31st is a magical night and some of that magic still lingers even in our modern world. Traditionally, it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark, cold winter months.

The Celts call it "Samhain," - pronounced sow-en - and many of their customs have been handed down to us through the years. Present day pagans strive to continue the old ways. The veil between the worlds is said to be thinnest on Samhaim and the dead may return for this night only to celebrate with their families and friends.

Samhain, in the pagan view of the Wheel of the Year, is considered a date that is outside time. This concept is sometimes difficult for those of us immersed in a linear view of time to truly comprehend. But, when time is viewed as a wheel or circle, Samhain - or the beginning of the new year - is a point outside of time itself when the Universe is plunged once more back into the primordial chaos. Because it exists outside of time, discerning any other points inside time is considered easier than it normally would be. There is a great emphasis on divination of future events during Samhain and scrying, tarot reading, and other forms of foretelling the future are considered most likely to succeed on this date.

Because the dead were said to roam this night, the scary faces in jack-o-lanterns were designed to frighten away evil spirits that could cause the living harm. When placed on porches or in front of dwellings, they cast a spell of protection over the entire household and keep the ghosties and ghoulies at bay. In Europe, beets and gourds were used for carving the protective jack-o-lanterns, but the early colonists in America soon discovered that our colorful pumpkins were the ideal size and shape.

In ancient Celtic societies, trick or treating and dressing in costumes was not reserved for children. Adults dressed in costumes and masks to confuse evil spirits and the "treats" were often of the liquid variety.

Although most of our modern Halloween customs can be traced to the Celts, many societies around the world have recognized this particular time of year as a type of boundary between the seasons and between the worlds. Although some later religions have attempted (incorrectly) to characterize Halloween celebrations as evil, I believe we still recognize at a primal level that there is something special about this particular time and it still calls to us somewhere deep inside.

So, feel free to dress up, carve a pumpkin, bob for apples, and eat too much candy. After the trick or treaters are gone, you might also want to invite departed friends and familiy members to visit once more. Don't be surprised if you feel the presence of the honored dead around you as you allow their eternal love to keep you warm.

And, for some great  ideas on creating the best Halloween pumpkin ever, check out these tips from a master pumpkin carver.