In western civilization, these days gave us All Saints Day, and All Souls Day.
In the belief system of the Mayan people, and in the belief system of the Celtic people, these days addressed the same meanings. For the Maya, the portal between the living and the deceased was thought to be opened at this time. For the Celtic people throughout Europe, the portal between the living and the deceased was thought to be opened at this time. In both cases, in the old world and the new, people practiced inviting the spirits of their ancestors to be with them. They prepared food for them, made music, invited them in. Christians can respect the search for meaning in these practices and they bring them into the light of Christian faith in the observance of All Saints day followed by All Souls Day. Father Edgar from the University town of Chela doesn’t even reference the ancestral practices.
Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. This is about halfway between the autumn equinox and winter solstice.The souls of the dead were thought to revisit their homes. Feasts were had, at which the souls of dead kin were beckoned to attend and a place set at the table for them. Mumming and guising were part of the festival, and involved people going door-to-door in costume, often reciting verses in exchange for food. The costumes may have been a way of imitating, and disguising oneself from, the Aos Sí. Rituals and games were also a big part of the festival and often involved nuts and apples. It has sometimes been called the Celtic New Year.
Our escuelitas were treated to an exotic Halloween party at the American Airlines Arena. Then, Immaculata-La Salle came for a delightful day at Highland and OSL.
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