It’s been a very long while since I felt any real affinity for Halloween. I feel more resonance with the multiple day observance of All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day.
Of course, I didn’t have much awarerness of anything except Halloween until well into adulthood. It was as part of a women’s group that I was introduced to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which took place the night before All Saints’ Day, when the veil between the worlds was believed to be lifted. This eventually became what we know as Halloween.
And it was while I was living in Europe that I learned more about All Saints’ Day (La Festa di Ognissanti) and All Souls’ Day (Il Giorno dei Morti or the Day of the Dead). What a difference from Halloween, which had been fun as a child, but for adults seemed to just be an excuse for a silly sort of excess.
So I really appreciate this more meaningful holiday, which encourages me to remember with love my dear ones who have passed on.