The Wiccan's Halloween isn't Scary

Samhain, Samana or Old Hallowmas is a Pagan -  End of Summer celebration. It is known as the final harvest and the beginning of the dark winter half of the year. Historically it had been recognized sometime between October 31st and November 7th.  In Wiccan tradition, it is one of two “spirit nights” when, it is believed - communication is possible between our world and the world of the departed, called Summerland. 

Celtic traditions, originally placed great reverence on the Feast of the Dead.  Food was left on alters and door steps for the wandering dead.  Apples and carved turnips were left along roadways. It was believed the Wee Folk became active and pulled pranks on humans, so people, dressed themselves in white (like ghosts) which allowed them to travel unsuspectingly at night, avoiding these Nature Spirits. 

Child is holding a harvested corn, not a weapon 

In preparation for winter, cattle were slaughtered and butchered up leaving a community  with visual evidence of death and survival.  Any remaining crops left unharvested in the fields were sanctioned for creature and spirit.   Bone fires were lit in the night for warmth and to burn up carcasses after the celebratory feasting meals.  The bones were offered up to the fires in a ritualistic way to pray for good blessings.  The next morning, a hearth stone from the fire predicted the family’s yearly outcome and it was then, brought back into the home.  Remaining ash was scattered on the harvested fields in a form of protection and blessing. 

These were simple times, not scary.  It was known that there was a rebirth through death and that life itself was a necessary journey. 

The seasonal darkness, the blood from life sustaining slaughter, offering treats to the dead, tricking the nature spirits by costuming one’s self and bone burning are all rather  non threatening and primal acts. 

So why, has the Halloween of today become so gruesome?  So why is everyone afraid of a Witch?  No not the Person.  Know the Culture. This is how rituals, customs and beliefs are started.