Notes About The Poem
This is where we get the name Halloween.
All Hallows Day Evening just wasn't catchy enough and it became a time when Christians could morph Samhain's arcane symbolism and rituals into spooky, soul safe fun.
People - Go Figure. Happy Halloween Y'all!
Where Did Halloween Come From
THE FESTIVAL OF SAMHAIN
It began at the end of Summer,
Marked the end of Harvest Season.
It's not the name of a Celtic god,
As some thought for some reason.
Samhain is a Celtic word and is pronounced (Sow-en),
And in Celtic it means "Summer's End",
It's the way they marked their calendar year.
The way their New Year begins.
When the Potato Famine hit Ireland,
Many folks left it seems,
Bringing with them their traditions,
Of Samhain and Halloween.
Folks dressed themselves to trick the ghosts,
To look like one of them.
If the ghosts get you they'll take your soul,
And then your troubles begin.
Some spirits disguise as humans,
As beggars who knock on doors.
If turned away empty handed,
You'll be haunted and cursed and more.
During this time they stayed close to home,
So as not to offend those who came.
Leaving food by the door they huddled inside,
T'was no celebration, Samhain.
Pope Gregory I gave it Christian context,
Converting standing non-Christian traditions,
To early midievil Christian beliefs,
In Saints to make simpler transition.
After mixing Celtic spirits with the Saints,
He designated All Saints Day, (Nov.1st.)
But the old beliefs did not die out,
In the minds of the elders it stayed.
Oct. 31st was All Hallows Day Evening,
The night before All Saints were revered.
This later was known as Halloween,
At last something no one would fear.
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
