Craft of the Wise

  Ancient Traditions of Halloween "Bring forth the raisins and the nuts- Tonight All-Hallows' Spectre struts Along the moonlit way." - John Kendrick Bangs, American author (1862-1922) In the United States, October 31 marks the celebration of the holiday which we call Halloween. Halloween has become our second biggest holiday, in terms of dollars spent, after Christmas. Have you ever wondered how the traditions associated with Halloween first got their start? The familiar images of apples, pumpkins, and broomsticks remain icons of our modern celebration of this holiday. Many of these symbols have a connection to traditions that have long been forgotten. Long before this holiday became associated with children in costumes asking their neighbors for candy treats this festival was a time of reflection, both of events that had occurred during the past year and of loved ones who had recently passed away. Why "Halloween"?   Halloween can trace its roots back to Samhain...