Samhain: the other Halloween

October 12, 11:44 AMCheyenne Holistic Health ExaminerHeidi Hixon

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Photo: LAVisitor

Cheyenne, Wyoming breathes the "old ways" and defines the "good life."  There is a slower pace, expected friendliness, appreciation of community, and continued sensibility toward farming and ranching.  Considering the heritage of Cheyenne, there is no doubt to it's pagan-ish appeal.

Paganism is often misunderstood for "satanism," which could not be further from the truth.  A pagan was originally "a country dweller," using herbs for medicine, observing the cycles of the seasons, honoring the earth, and respecting all life.

Halloween, Day of the Dead, All Soul's Day, Samhain

These are the many different names given to the same dates.  The celebratory focus for all of them involves the final harvest, and honoring the dead.  Many traditional festivities occur every year between October 31-November 2.  This is one time of year when Cheyenne reconnects with the "old ways."

Farming and Ranching

Samhain marks the time of year when the final harvest has been reaped.  This is the time to take stock for the long winter ahead:  livestock are typically analyzed for slaughter; grain and grass supplies are stockpiled for the remaining livestock; crops are finished producing; gardens and fields are plowed under for next year; fresh produce is preserved for a taste of summer during the long winter months.  Oftentimes, Samhain is celebrated with a robust feast as appreciation of the bounty nature has provided.

Honoring the Ancestors

Samhain marks the end of a year-long cycle.  In nature, autumn is the season of dying.  Samhain is known as the day when the "veil between the worlds" is the thinnest, and the ancestral spirits are able to connect with loved ones.  This is an important celebration for anyone striving toward an holistic outlook, as being in balance requires recognizing both the living and the dead.  Remembering and honoring those who have passed before us ensures that they will never be forgotten.  That is an extremely important part of living!

This is the once-a-year opportunity to celebrate the lives of any ancestors (family, friends, pets, etc.) who have impacted your life:
1. Decorate grave sites/burial grounds.
2. Make an ancestor's favorite meal.
3. Hold a candlelight vigil.
4. Tell stories about the loved one.
5. Visit an ancestor's favorite place.
6. Create a piece of artwork/memorial in remembrance of the loved one.
7. Write a poem or story in honor of the ancestor.
8. Have a party/gathering to celebrate the ancestor's life.
9. Create a personal altar with the loved one's memorabilia.
10. Remember - memories are what keep the ancestors alive.

Samhain is an opportunity for demonstrating gratitude, endurance, respect, and community.  It is the time of the year for slowing down and preparing for winter's "hibernation."  It is a perfect day for personifying the "good life" attributes of Cheyenne.