Honoring the dearly departed, acknowledging the ‘trickster’ and invisible realm, sharing the family bounty with those in need, reflecting upon the year that has been, and going within to rebirth one’s Spirit anew. Such is the magical realm of late October through the end of the year.
🎃👻🍬🦇💀🧡
I wanted to share a very thoughtful history of the Irish traditions that remain woven into modern day All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween), even amidst its overt commercialism. Who better to deep dive into the lore, traditions, and reasons for the ghoulish costumes, carving of pumpkins, and trick-or-treating than Capuchin Franciscan priest-friar, Brother Richard, featured in one of my fave channels, “The Modern Fairy Sightings Podcast”.
Podcast
Here’s the song from Sting mentioned in the podcast about this very act of heartfelt sharing:
Soul Cakes song
At this auspicious time of year, the traditional Soul Cakes were created by the lady of the house as an offering to young people going door to door in search of treats. In return, the children would offer prayers of peace for the souls of the resident’s family who had passed on.
If the household was well-off but did not share with their community they would be recipient of gentle “tricks” as a reminder that we all depend on each other for the community’s well-being. If children didn’t perform the tricks, a grinchy resident may instead receive visits from actual spirits of the dead, disgruntled fairies, or other beings of the ‘tween spaces who were feeling overlooked and taken advantage of.
What I find fascinating is that every ancient culture of the world honors their deceased loved ones with song, story, altars, food, drink, and dedicated time for communication. It has always been understood that “well” ancestors, be they of blood relation, spirit family, or even the spirit of place – the essence of the elements, plants, trees, and such, were all to be acknowledged, as much as one would pay their regards to dear friends.
Sadly, the practice of connecting to Nature and unseen realms has been lost to the modern, “progressive”, tech-savvy world who doesn’t believe their roots, their heritage, their planet, nor the Source of their very consciousness needs their attention. The results of which have landed humanity where it is now, particularly in the western culture. I would liken the condition to being too top heavy (cerebral) with weak foundations … the end result quite predictable.
We don’t have to wait for oppressive forces, dark spirits, and hungry ghosts to awaken our inherently compassionate hearts. Let us take this holiday’s lessons into every day of the year and witness the awesome power of love in motion.
If you’re interested in making traditional Soul Cakes, here’s a tasty recipe I found online:
Traditional Soul Cakes recipe
Vegan Soul Cakes recipe
Perhaps you have your own favorite dish, bread, dessert you’d like to share with us. Please post in the comments section below, and thank you!
You’re presence and support is deeply appreciated.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
Regina Chante 