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| Damn you, writer's cramp! |
Things about Halloween you might not know:
-originally considered the Celtic new year, Samhain, Hallow's Eve or Halloween is All Soul's Eve. The next day is All Saints' Day instituted by Pope Urban IV to commemorate all saints.
- Celts wore masks to "blend in" with the spirits they believed walked the earth at this time.
- trick or treating comes from the custom of begging for soul cakes. Someone would offer the beggar a cake in exchange for prayers for one's soul. A recipe for Soul Cakes.
- saints whose feast day is Halloween: Saints Quentin, Foillan and Wolfgang
And for something completely revolting.
2 comments:
Don't give pathetic mthes and credit where none is due.
According to the ancient Irish (Gaelic) text, Leabhar na hUidre, Samhain was a warrior festival. Men burned the tongues of their victims, which they carried in a pouch.
http://www.luminarium.org/mythology/ireland/cuchulainnsick.htm
Also, Samhain was a celebrated on different days every year. It is properly celebrated on the new moon between autumnal equinox and the winter solstice. That was November 16 in 2009, November 6 in 2010, and will be October 26 in 2011.
All Hallows used to be celebrated (in Ireland) near Pentecost until Pope Gregory III standardised the date.
Trick 'r Treating may actually have entirely Christian roots in the celebration of St.Martin's Day (Martinmas). Many traditions of that day bled into thos of All Hallows and Christmas.
~Your Brother~
Any lunar calendar will have gaps. Say what you will about the Gregorian calendar but I love it!
Trick or treating was really cakes for prayers. Not a bad deal, really.
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