Everyone knows that Halloween is celebrated on the last day of October. Only here is what it means, what it is connected with, and what should be done, not everyone can explain it. In the best case, they will talk about the pumpkin, which is "advertised" in connection with this date. Nevertheless, the rituals on Halloween are a serious matter, filled with deep meaning. On this day, you can not only fool around, but also solve many years of accumulated problems, if you understand how. Let's figure it out.
The origins and essence of the holiday
This tradition has Celtic roots. They invented many rites for Halloween. Many centuries ago, this ancient people believed that at the end of October one year will be downloaded and a new one will come. At this moment all kinds of spirits come to earth, among which the majority were hostile to people. By the way, horror stories for Halloween went from here. This is a kind of reminder to the living that there are many threats around, including those coming from the afterlife. The holiday is pagan. But, in fact, it was so popular that after the adoption of Christianity it was difficult to get rid of it. It’s not so easy people give up their traditions. Roman clergy had to postpone Christian All Saints Day on November 1 (from May 13) in order to "legitimize" festivities. In such a simple way, Christianity approached a people who sacredly honored their centuries-old traditions.
Ancient traditions and horror stories
In the representations of the ancient Celts, on the night of November 1, all sorts of unknown monsters wandered around the earth - immigrants from another world. Their character and disposition were awkward. People should not have met them. But a way out can be found from any situation.
In order not to suffer from witches and ghouls, it was necessary to "disguise themselves." To do this, we dressed ourselves in skins. It was believed that evil spirits will take the mummer for their own and will not touch it. This is where Halloween horror stories went. That evening, in order to frighten the people, it is customary to dress up as a devil or other evil spirits and roam the streets. Of course, it’s better not to threaten an unprepared public. You never know who you run into. But in the company of like-minded people it is quite possible to have fun. Halloween is precisely what is useful, which allows you to work together to get rid of "phobias", which is quite important for children
(they are afraid of darkness).Evil spirits
Since the world (in the ancient view) was filled with dark essences, it was necessary to enclose their homes from them. Today, people do not particularly believe that the devil will come to them. Nevertheless, the amulets of their popularity do not lose. On Halloween, fire is considered the best defense.
This tradition is filled with deep meaning. The fact is that fire among our ancestors symbolized life, and darkness - death. They burned huge bonfires near their settlements to drive away evil. Nowadays it is customary to light candles in windows so that witches or other entities do not penetrate through them. With funny lights, you see, it's not so scary. Halloween is a time when it is advisable not only to play pranks, but to reflect on the essence of life. And she was transmitted to us through legends and traditions. For example, do you know why it is customary to make masks out of pumpkins? And this is not just a tradition. This is a symbol of understanding of life by the ancient Celts.
Halloween pumpkin
Several legends have come down to us about this symbol. On the one hand, it is believed that this is a tribute to King Bran, who sacrificed himself for the well-being of the people. Therefore, Halloween ceremonies are associated with a pumpkin. She looks like a skull. That is, in itself (with cut out muzzles) symbolizes death. But the candle placed in it is life. It turns out that people in this way say that the ancient king will not die in their hearts. But there is another legend. It is said that Jack had such a lamp, who managed to deceive the devil himself. As a result, he did not go to hell. But in paradise they did not accept him either. Here poor Jack wanders the earth with his lamp and everyone can teach his tricks. Pumpkin, it turns out, symbolizes a successful struggle with the devil. In principle, one can agree with both legends. In any case, the pumpkin has a very invigorating meaning. This is a wonderful amulet. Yes, and make it very interesting.
More about Pumpkin
Not everyone will specially prepare for this holiday. But there are people who want to arrange everything according to the rules. If you are interested in what to do on Halloween, then start with a pumpkin. This amulet should be in any home. Buy it, carefully cut off the top. Select the seeds and other “entrails” to make a hollow fruit. Draw faces on it from four sides. Then cut the eye sockets, mouths and so on. It all depends on skill and imagination. And when it gets dark, put a lighted candle inside. Now you can be sure that dark forces will go around your house. If you still want to know what to do on Halloween, then remember the festive "status" of this day.
Yes, you need to invite guests and have fun! Dark forces do not like a good mood, they run away from laughing people to those who are sad and sulking.
What is served at the festive table
Halloween rites are not only amulets and bonfires. The Celts paid much attention to the treats. So, it was necessary to serve a pie to the table. It was cooked using pumpkins and apples. Drinks should have been dark. In general, this autumn holiday was customary to celebrate richly. After the summer labors, when the “bins” were bursting with the harvest, no one was allowed to be greedy. It was necessary to drag everything to the table. Pies, meat, milk and so on. I also used nuts. Today it is customary to cook special cookies with them or other sweet dishes. During a fun feast, people forgot about fear, and so did Halloween. Rituals, rituals still allowed, even offered, to conduct fortune-telling and other magical "procedures" on this day.
How to look into the future
The girls, with fear and hope, tried to find out what their married life would be. For example, it was decided to wash your nightgown (manually) in the evening . She was squeezed out nicely and hung out in the yard. And when they went to bed, they suggested that the betrothed come, to pull up his shirt. Then the main thing was to remember a dream. It was thought to contain important information about the future. One dreamed the guy himself. The other is his traits, financial position and more. Sometimes it was possible to see where the girl lived (in which village or house). Today, too, you can conduct such a ceremony. Remember, if in a dream there is a fire or rain, then marry a reveler. Do not expect loyalty from this. But jewelry or pure water is a wonderful sign. You will be happy and loved. Still a good window to see. To know that soon fate will turn in the most beautiful direction.
Fortune telling
There is still a very simple, but fairly accurate, way to find out if the plan is fulfilled. This requires a sharp knife and a beautiful apple. It is important that it grows in your area. Otherwise, nothing will come of it. From overseas fruit do not expect the truth. Make a wish when it gets dark. Keep in mind that this evening you are referring to otherworldly entities. They need to be asked. Now cut the fruit into two equal halves. Consider what happened.
It is believed that if it was possible not to touch a single seed, then the plan would soon be fulfilled. One damaged - there will be delays. And if a few grains fell under the knife, then give up hope. Nothing will work out for you. Here's a conversation with the spirits can be held on Halloween.
Funny rite
The tradition was divination for the bride for young men. It was believed that the girl, in order to have healthy offspring, must be "in the body." And in our opinion - thick. The fellow was instructed to go into a dark barn and get, without looking closely, a head of cabbage. They took him by the stump, and then they all examined together. The more the cabbage was, the happier it became on the soul of a fortuneteller. Know the bride will get fat, healthy, prolific! Now they don’t think so. Although it is interesting to hold such a “contest” in the company of unmarried youths. How do they feel about having the fattest wife? But seriously, on this night it is advisable to remember dreams, pay attention to random events. The unmanifest world may itself try to convey important information to you. You must not hide from her, try to understand. After all, you believe or not that the borders between the worlds are erased, it does not matter. Our ancestors were sure of this, and the information, as you know, does not die with the “carriers”. She lives her energetic life, manifesting in our life with incredible events and turns. So, it makes sense to listen and understand what they will say to you this time. Such a message can be received in addition to your own will.