October 30, 2024 • 15 mins
Hello gentle listeners, I hope you enjoyed this dive into the origin of halloween and some of the traditions that we have today that came from thousands of years ago. If you did enjoy it then please subscribe and leave me a review or suggestions for future episodes to whispersofthepastreviews@gmail.com
Written and read by your host Josh
Sound Designed by Charles Wade
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hello gentle listeners and welcome back to episode 14 of Whispers of the Past. Tonight,
(00:07):
I'm taking you back in time over 2000 years to explore the festival of Samhain, the ancient
Celtic celebration that would later evolve into what we now call Halloween. As the leaves
turn golden and the nights grow long, there's a palpable shift in the air. It's a time when
the boundary between our world and the spirit realm is set to thin. This is the essence of
(00:31):
Samhain, a time of transition, reflection and reverence for the unknown. But what exactly was
Samhain and how did it shape the modern traditions we know today? Let's begin. Samhain was celebrated
by the Celts, a collection of tribes that lived across what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom
(00:54):
and parts of Northern France. For the Celts, the end of October wasn't simply a marker of the
changing seasons, it was a deeply spiritual turning point signifying the end of the harvest
and the beginning of the dark, cold half of the year. This period was fraught with uncertainty,
as the community faced the looming threat of harsh winter months, food shortages and illness.
(01:16):
Samhain, which translates to summer's end, marked the critical moment when the Celts believed the
barriers between the physical and spiritual worlds were at their finest, allowing for interaction
between the living and the dead. The Celts had a silical view of time and Samhain represented
(01:39):
one of the most important moments in this annual cycle, a threshold between life and death, growth
and dormancy. As the earth prepared for its winter slumber, so too did the souls of the departed
become more active. On the night of Samhain, October 31st, the belief was that spirits could
walk the earth. For the Celts, this was both a time to honour their ancestors and a time to protect
(02:04):
themselves from darker, more malevolent forces. While some spirits were welcomed, those of loved
ones returning to their families, others were far less benign. One of the most feared supernatural
beings during Samhain was the Aeos Sea, a race of fairy-like entities deeply embedded in Celtic
(02:26):
mythology. These weren't the gentle, diminutive fairies of modern folklore. The Aeos Sea were
powerful, unpredictable and often dangerous. Some were believed to be the remnants of the
Tuta di Danen, an ancient race of deities and demigods driven underground by invaders. During
(02:49):
Samhain, these beings were thought to roam freely across the land and encounters with them could
bring misfortune, sickness or worse. To protect themselves, the Celts would leave out offerings
of food and drink on doorsteps, altars, outside villages or by the fields to appease these wandering
(03:09):
spirits. The practice was intended to ensure that the spirits would pass by without causing
harm. This custom of leaving out offerings or treats for supernatural beings is one of the
earliest predecessors of the trick-or-treating tradition we see today, though its origins were
rooted in fear and reverence rather than fun. Now let me share a haunting tale that illustrates
(03:35):
the spirit of Samhain and the beliefs surrounding the Aeos Sea. In a small village nestled in the
green hills of ancient Ireland, there lived a young woman named Aileen. Aileen was known for
her beauty and kind heart, but she was also known for her affinity with nature. Each day,
she would wander through the fields, collecting herbs and flowers, listening to the whispers of
(03:59):
the wind and the calls of the birds. However, as the time of Samhain approached, the villagers
began to notice strange occurrences in the fields. Ops were wilting, the livestock was growing
restless and ominous shadows flickered at the edge of the woods. As Samhain approached, Aileen felt
an irresistible pull toward the nearby ancient grove, a sacred place known to be a gateway to
(04:25):
the Aeos Sea. On the eve of Samhain, she decided to visit the grove, carrying a small basket filled
with honey and bread as offerings. As she walked, the towering trees loomed around her, and their
branches were seemingly reaching out towards her like skeletal hands. But, undeterred, Aileen
(04:47):
ventured deeper into the heart of the grove, hoping the spirits that dwelt there would offer
her guidance. As twilight fell, and the air grew thick with mist, Aileen began to feel a chill
creeping into her bones. Suddenly, she heard a soft, melodic hum echoing through the trees.
Intrigued, she followed the sound, her heart pounding with both fear and excitement. As she
(05:11):
approached a clearing, she beheld a gathering of the Aeos Sea, ethereal beings shimmering with an
otherworldly light, their faces obscured, yet their eyes sparkling like stars. Aileen's presence
startled the gathering. She stood frozen, unsure whether to flee or to remain. One of the Aeos Sea,
(05:32):
a tall figure cloaked in flowing green robes, stepped forward and addressed her,
why do you disturb our realm, mortal? Gathering her courage, Aileen replied,
I seek guidance so I can understand the troubles plaguing my village. The crops are failing,
the livestock is restless, and the land suffers. I come with offerings, hoping to appease the
(05:56):
spirits. The Aeos Sea, intrigued by her sincerity, listened closely and replied, saying,
your offerings are welcome, and we will offer you this guidance. The balance of nature is
delicate, and your village has forgotten the old ways. You no longer show the respect that the
earth and its spirits deserve. Reconnect with the ancient practices, honor the land, and harmony
(06:20):
will be restored. With that, the Aeos Sea began to dance, their movements fluid and enchanting,
weaving a spell of healing over the grove. Aileen watched in awe, and as dawn broke,
the spirits began to fade. Before disappearing, the green cloaked figure gave her one last warning,
remember, young one, the veil is thin tonight, the spirits walk among you, honor them, and they will
(06:47):
honor you. Aileen returned to her village, her heart filled with purpose. She shared her experience
with the villagers, urging them to rekindle their connection with nature and the old traditions.
Together, they prepared offerings, lit bonfires, and held a feast to honor the ancestors and the
(07:08):
Aeos Sea. As the years passed, the village flourished, their fields grew vibrant and their
livestock healthy. They continued to celebrate Samhain, each year offering thanks to the spirits
and inviting them to join in the festivities. Aileen's tale became a cherished legend, a
reminder of the balance between the mortal and spirit realms echoing through generations.
(07:32):
Now, you might be wondering, how else did people protect themselves from these otherworldly visitors?
One of the most fascinating traditions involved wearing disguises. The Celts believed that by
donning costumes made of animal skins and heads, they could blend in with the spirits and avoid
(07:52):
being noticed. This might sound strange to us today, but to the Celts, becoming one with nature
and the spirit world was essential for survival during this liminal time. By disguising themselves
as wild creatures or even as spirits, they hoped to trick malevolent forces into leaving them
alone. This custom can be seen as an early version of what would eventually become Halloween
(08:17):
costumes, although the intent back then was much more serious, possibly a matter of life and death.
In some areas, people also blackened their faces with soot or ashes from the sacred bonfires,
furthering their attempts to confuse wandering spirits. Masks, too, were used to conceal their
(08:38):
identity from spirits that might seek vengeance or mischief. The tradition of wearing masks and
costumes on Halloween is one of the clearest direct descendants of these ancient practices.
Central to the celebration of Samhain was the bonfire, a massive blazing fire built on hilltops
(09:00):
or in communal spaces. These weren't just ordinary fires, they were considered sacred and were lit to
honor the gods and goddesses, particularly those associated with harvest and the changing seasons.
The bonfire also served a protective purpose, believed to ward off evil spirits and offer warmth
(09:21):
and light to guide friendly spirits back to their homes. The flames represented both life
and death, burning away the remnants of the past year while igniting hope for the future.
Unities would gather around these immense fires, and, in a symbolic ritual, they would extinguish
(09:42):
the hearthfires in their homes, relighting them from the communal bonfire. This act of
rekindling symbolized unity with both the gods and the community itself, reaffirming bonds as
they prepared to face the long, dark winter months together. Over time, this practice of
lighting sacred fires has transformed into the smaller, personal traditions we see today,
(10:06):
carving jacquer lanterns, lighting candles in windows, and even the use of fireworks in
some Halloween celebrations. Though the grand ritual bonfires are largely a thing of the past,
the symbolism of light guiding us through darkness remains a key element of modern Halloween.
Samhain wasn't just about death and the spirit world, it was also a time for divination and
(10:32):
seeking knowledge about the future. The thinning of the veil between the worlds meant that
supernatural forces were more accessible, making it the perfect time to glimpse what lay ahead.
The Celts had various methods for predicting the future, many of which revolved around nature and
the harvest. Apples, nuts, and fire were used in rituals to divine answers about love, marriage,
(10:56):
and prosperity. One such ritual involving apples is the precursor to the modern-day game of bobbing
four apples. However, in ancient times this wasn't just a playful activity, it was a serious act of
divination. The first person to successfully bite into an apple was believed to be the next to
(11:18):
marry, and some even believed that peeling an apple and tossing the peel over the shoulder could
reveal the initials of a future spouse. These rituals, while often playful, held deep spiritual
significance for the Celts, offering insights into what the coming year might hold. While Samhain was
(11:38):
a time of celebration and reflection, there was also an undeniable undercurrent of fear. The Celts
believed that, alongside the spirits of ancestors, more sinister beings roamed the earth. One such
creature was the Dullahan, a terrifying headless horseman figure who was set to ride through the
night collecting souls for the afterlife. The appearance of the Dullahan was a dreaded omen
(12:04):
of death, and his spectral presence served as a grim reminder of the thin line between the living
and the dead during Samhain. To ward off these dark forces, people would carry lights, often made
from hollowed out turnips with faces carved into them, which were used as lanterns to scare away
evil spirits. These were the forerunners of our modern jack-o-lanterns, though the use of pumpkins
(12:31):
didn't become popular until later when Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America,
where pumpkins were more readily available. As Christianity spread through Celtic lands,
the church sought to Christianise the pagan rituals. In an attempt to curb the influence of Samhain,
Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day, a day meant to honour the saints and martyrs of Christian
(12:55):
faith, to November 1st, thus aligning it with the existing celebration. This became All Hallows Day,
and the night before, October 31st, became known as All Hallows Eve, a precursor to Halloween.
However, despite the church's efforts to absorb the festival, many of Samhain's traditions
(13:17):
persisted. People continued to honour the dead, celebrate with feasts, and protect themselves
from wandering spirits, albeit under the new Christian framework. Over time, the sombre
elements of Samhain were softened, and the festival took on a more playful, community-orientated tone,
gradually evolving into the Halloween we know today. Though modern Halloween is far removed
(13:42):
from its Samhain roots, many of the ancient customs remain. Costumes we wear, the treats
we exchange, and the stories we tell of ghosts and spirits all trace back to this ancient festival.
The act of carving pumpkins and lighting candles is a direct descendant of the Celtic practice of
lighting fires and creating lanterns to ward off spirits. Even the feeling of unease, the thrill
(14:08):
of being scared, whether by a haunted house or a spooky story, echoes the Celtic awareness of the
otherworldly forces that were once believed to roam the earth on this night. But beyond the fun
and fright of today's celebrations, there's still something mystical about this time of year, isn't
there? That lingering feeling that something is just beyond our perception, the chill that isn't
(14:32):
just from the autumn wind. As we move through October and into the depths of autumn, we carry
a piece of Samhain with us, whether through gathering around a fire, sharing ghost stories,
or honoring those who've passed, the spirit of the festival lives on. So next time you light a
candle or carve a pumpkin, think of those ancient Celts and the way they too honored the darkness
(14:57):
and the light. Thank you for joining me on this journey through time to explore the ancient roots
of Halloween. I hope this glimpse into Samhain has inspired a deeper understanding of the
traditions we celebrate today. If you've enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and send me a
review or suggestions for future episodes to whispersofthepastreviews at gmail.com. See you
(15:21):
next time.
Hello gentle listeners and welcome back to episode 14 of Whispers of the Past. Tonight,
(00:07):
I'm taking you back in time over 2000 years to explore the festival of Samhain, the ancient
Celtic celebration that would later evolve into what we now call Halloween. As the leaves
turn golden and the nights grow long, there's a palpable shift in the air. It's a time when
the boundary between our world and the spirit realm is set to thin. This is the essence of
(00:31):
Samhain, a time of transition, reflection and reverence for the unknown. But what exactly was
Samhain and how did it shape the modern traditions we know today? Let's begin. Samhain was celebrated
by the Celts, a collection of tribes that lived across what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom
(00:54):
and parts of Northern France. For the Celts, the end of October wasn't simply a marker of the
changing seasons, it was a deeply spiritual turning point signifying the end of the harvest
and the beginning of the dark, cold half of the year. This period was fraught with uncertainty,
as the community faced the looming threat of harsh winter months, food shortages and illness.
(01:16):
Samhain, which translates to summer's end, marked the critical moment when the Celts believed the
barriers between the physical and spiritual worlds were at their finest, allowing for interaction
between the living and the dead. The Celts had a silical view of time and Samhain represented
(01:39):
one of the most important moments in this annual cycle, a threshold between life and death, growth
and dormancy. As the earth prepared for its winter slumber, so too did the souls of the departed
become more active. On the night of Samhain, October 31st, the belief was that spirits could
walk the earth. For the Celts, this was both a time to honour their ancestors and a time to protect
(02:04):
themselves from darker, more malevolent forces. While some spirits were welcomed, those of loved
ones returning to their families, others were far less benign. One of the most feared supernatural
beings during Samhain was the Aeos Sea, a race of fairy-like entities deeply embedded in Celtic
(02:26):
mythology. These weren't the gentle, diminutive fairies of modern folklore. The Aeos Sea were
powerful, unpredictable and often dangerous. Some were believed to be the remnants of the
Tuta di Danen, an ancient race of deities and demigods driven underground by invaders. During
(02:49):
Samhain, these beings were thought to roam freely across the land and encounters with them could
bring misfortune, sickness or worse. To protect themselves, the Celts would leave out offerings
of food and drink on doorsteps, altars, outside villages or by the fields to appease these wandering
(03:09):
spirits. The practice was intended to ensure that the spirits would pass by without causing
harm. This custom of leaving out offerings or treats for supernatural beings is one of the
earliest predecessors of the trick-or-treating tradition we see today, though its origins were
rooted in fear and reverence rather than fun. Now let me share a haunting tale that illustrates
(03:35):
the spirit of Samhain and the beliefs surrounding the Aeos Sea. In a small village nestled in the
green hills of ancient Ireland, there lived a young woman named Aileen. Aileen was known for
her beauty and kind heart, but she was also known for her affinity with nature. Each day,
she would wander through the fields, collecting herbs and flowers, listening to the whispers of
(03:59):
the wind and the calls of the birds. However, as the time of Samhain approached, the villagers
began to notice strange occurrences in the fields. Ops were wilting, the livestock was growing
restless and ominous shadows flickered at the edge of the woods. As Samhain approached, Aileen felt
an irresistible pull toward the nearby ancient grove, a sacred place known to be a gateway to
(04:25):
the Aeos Sea. On the eve of Samhain, she decided to visit the grove, carrying a small basket filled
with honey and bread as offerings. As she walked, the towering trees loomed around her, and their
branches were seemingly reaching out towards her like skeletal hands. But, undeterred, Aileen
(04:47):
ventured deeper into the heart of the grove, hoping the spirits that dwelt there would offer
her guidance. As twilight fell, and the air grew thick with mist, Aileen began to feel a chill
creeping into her bones. Suddenly, she heard a soft, melodic hum echoing through the trees.
Intrigued, she followed the sound, her heart pounding with both fear and excitement. As she
(05:11):
approached a clearing, she beheld a gathering of the Aeos Sea, ethereal beings shimmering with an
otherworldly light, their faces obscured, yet their eyes sparkling like stars. Aileen's presence
startled the gathering. She stood frozen, unsure whether to flee or to remain. One of the Aeos Sea,
(05:32):
a tall figure cloaked in flowing green robes, stepped forward and addressed her,
why do you disturb our realm, mortal? Gathering her courage, Aileen replied,
I seek guidance so I can understand the troubles plaguing my village. The crops are failing,
the livestock is restless, and the land suffers. I come with offerings, hoping to appease the
(05:56):
spirits. The Aeos Sea, intrigued by her sincerity, listened closely and replied, saying,
your offerings are welcome, and we will offer you this guidance. The balance of nature is
delicate, and your village has forgotten the old ways. You no longer show the respect that the
earth and its spirits deserve. Reconnect with the ancient practices, honor the land, and harmony
(06:20):
will be restored. With that, the Aeos Sea began to dance, their movements fluid and enchanting,
weaving a spell of healing over the grove. Aileen watched in awe, and as dawn broke,
the spirits began to fade. Before disappearing, the green cloaked figure gave her one last warning,
remember, young one, the veil is thin tonight, the spirits walk among you, honor them, and they will
(06:47):
honor you. Aileen returned to her village, her heart filled with purpose. She shared her experience
with the villagers, urging them to rekindle their connection with nature and the old traditions.
Together, they prepared offerings, lit bonfires, and held a feast to honor the ancestors and the
(07:08):
Aeos Sea. As the years passed, the village flourished, their fields grew vibrant and their
livestock healthy. They continued to celebrate Samhain, each year offering thanks to the spirits
and inviting them to join in the festivities. Aileen's tale became a cherished legend, a
reminder of the balance between the mortal and spirit realms echoing through generations.
(07:32):
Now, you might be wondering, how else did people protect themselves from these otherworldly visitors?
One of the most fascinating traditions involved wearing disguises. The Celts believed that by
donning costumes made of animal skins and heads, they could blend in with the spirits and avoid
(07:52):
being noticed. This might sound strange to us today, but to the Celts, becoming one with nature
and the spirit world was essential for survival during this liminal time. By disguising themselves
as wild creatures or even as spirits, they hoped to trick malevolent forces into leaving them
alone. This custom can be seen as an early version of what would eventually become Halloween
(08:17):
costumes, although the intent back then was much more serious, possibly a matter of life and death.
In some areas, people also blackened their faces with soot or ashes from the sacred bonfires,
furthering their attempts to confuse wandering spirits. Masks, too, were used to conceal their
(08:38):
identity from spirits that might seek vengeance or mischief. The tradition of wearing masks and
costumes on Halloween is one of the clearest direct descendants of these ancient practices.
Central to the celebration of Samhain was the bonfire, a massive blazing fire built on hilltops
(09:00):
or in communal spaces. These weren't just ordinary fires, they were considered sacred and were lit to
honor the gods and goddesses, particularly those associated with harvest and the changing seasons.
The bonfire also served a protective purpose, believed to ward off evil spirits and offer warmth
(09:21):
and light to guide friendly spirits back to their homes. The flames represented both life
and death, burning away the remnants of the past year while igniting hope for the future.
Unities would gather around these immense fires, and, in a symbolic ritual, they would extinguish
(09:42):
the hearthfires in their homes, relighting them from the communal bonfire. This act of
rekindling symbolized unity with both the gods and the community itself, reaffirming bonds as
they prepared to face the long, dark winter months together. Over time, this practice of
lighting sacred fires has transformed into the smaller, personal traditions we see today,
(10:06):
carving jacquer lanterns, lighting candles in windows, and even the use of fireworks in
some Halloween celebrations. Though the grand ritual bonfires are largely a thing of the past,
the symbolism of light guiding us through darkness remains a key element of modern Halloween.
Samhain wasn't just about death and the spirit world, it was also a time for divination and
(10:32):
seeking knowledge about the future. The thinning of the veil between the worlds meant that
supernatural forces were more accessible, making it the perfect time to glimpse what lay ahead.
The Celts had various methods for predicting the future, many of which revolved around nature and
the harvest. Apples, nuts, and fire were used in rituals to divine answers about love, marriage,
(10:56):
and prosperity. One such ritual involving apples is the precursor to the modern-day game of bobbing
four apples. However, in ancient times this wasn't just a playful activity, it was a serious act of
divination. The first person to successfully bite into an apple was believed to be the next to
(11:18):
marry, and some even believed that peeling an apple and tossing the peel over the shoulder could
reveal the initials of a future spouse. These rituals, while often playful, held deep spiritual
significance for the Celts, offering insights into what the coming year might hold. While Samhain was
(11:38):
a time of celebration and reflection, there was also an undeniable undercurrent of fear. The Celts
believed that, alongside the spirits of ancestors, more sinister beings roamed the earth. One such
creature was the Dullahan, a terrifying headless horseman figure who was set to ride through the
night collecting souls for the afterlife. The appearance of the Dullahan was a dreaded omen
(12:04):
of death, and his spectral presence served as a grim reminder of the thin line between the living
and the dead during Samhain. To ward off these dark forces, people would carry lights, often made
from hollowed out turnips with faces carved into them, which were used as lanterns to scare away
evil spirits. These were the forerunners of our modern jack-o-lanterns, though the use of pumpkins
(12:31):
didn't become popular until later when Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America,
where pumpkins were more readily available. As Christianity spread through Celtic lands,
the church sought to Christianise the pagan rituals. In an attempt to curb the influence of Samhain,
Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day, a day meant to honour the saints and martyrs of Christian
(12:55):
faith, to November 1st, thus aligning it with the existing celebration. This became All Hallows Day,
and the night before, October 31st, became known as All Hallows Eve, a precursor to Halloween.
However, despite the church's efforts to absorb the festival, many of Samhain's traditions
(13:17):
persisted. People continued to honour the dead, celebrate with feasts, and protect themselves
from wandering spirits, albeit under the new Christian framework. Over time, the sombre
elements of Samhain were softened, and the festival took on a more playful, community-orientated tone,
gradually evolving into the Halloween we know today. Though modern Halloween is far removed
(13:42):
from its Samhain roots, many of the ancient customs remain. Costumes we wear, the treats
we exchange, and the stories we tell of ghosts and spirits all trace back to this ancient festival.
The act of carving pumpkins and lighting candles is a direct descendant of the Celtic practice of
lighting fires and creating lanterns to ward off spirits. Even the feeling of unease, the thrill
(14:08):
of being scared, whether by a haunted house or a spooky story, echoes the Celtic awareness of the
otherworldly forces that were once believed to roam the earth on this night. But beyond the fun
and fright of today's celebrations, there's still something mystical about this time of year, isn't
there? That lingering feeling that something is just beyond our perception, the chill that isn't
(14:32):
just from the autumn wind. As we move through October and into the depths of autumn, we carry
a piece of Samhain with us, whether through gathering around a fire, sharing ghost stories,
or honoring those who've passed, the spirit of the festival lives on. So next time you light a
candle or carve a pumpkin, think of those ancient Celts and the way they too honored the darkness
(14:57):
and the light. Thank you for joining me on this journey through time to explore the ancient roots
of Halloween. I hope this glimpse into Samhain has inspired a deeper understanding of the
traditions we celebrate today. If you've enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and send me a
review or suggestions for future episodes to whispersofthepastreviews at gmail.com. See you
(15:21):
next time.
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