Pagan Holidays
So many superstitions, so many versions and so much fun. Halloween has roots dating back to the early centuries. It seems people didn't know what to think about Christianity. They were frightened of the church and took as many precautions as they could conjure.
The day, October 3, has been known as Samhain Eve, November Eve, Feast of the Dead, Feast of Apples, Hallows and All Hollows Eve.
People dressed up in frightening costumes or disguises to protect themselves from spirits. They displayed scary jack o'lanterns and they gave out food to travelers.
Now we have fun going from door to door in the pounding rain with our children and grand children asking for candy. Hmmm...
It's supposed to be awful here in Oregon tonight. 100% chance of rain. True I'm an Oregonian and I should expect as much. My granddaughter is going as Rapunzel, probably one of the most sought after costumes for the year 2012. I made the costume and discovered in early October the pattern had been sold out in every store in Salem. Lucky for me I could buy it online.
http://wicca.com/celtic/akasha/samhain.htm check out this site for more information on Halloween.
Now for the real reason for this post. Rogues Angels are publishing a May Day Anthology 2013.
And of course, this is another pagan holiday. My novella is Highland Miracle set in the Scottish highlands in the year of our Lord, 1621.
May Day
The May pole was a focal point of the old English village rituals. Many people would rise at the first light of dawn to go outdoors and gather flowers and branches to decorate their homes. Women traditionally would braid flowers into their hair. Men and women alike would decorate their bodies. Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passion. Ancient Pagan traditions say that Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, he desires the Goddess. They fall in love, lie among the grasses and blossoms, and unite. The Goddess becomes pregnant of the God. To celebrate, a wedding feast, for the God and Goddess must be prepared. Let Them guide you! Breads and cereals are popular. Try oatmeal cakes or cookies sweetened with a dab of honey. Dairy foods are again appropriate...just make a lovely wedding feast and you are sure to enjoy yourself! An early morning walk through a local park or forest could be fun for everyone. Gather up some plants or flowers to display in your home. Mom and daughter could braid their hair, and weave in a few tender blossoms.
Blessed Be!
Taken from:
http://wicca.com/celtic/akasha/beltane.htm
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