I have been getting this feeling about Samhain. I am feeling like I am doing the holiday a disservice, that I am downplaying it because it is also known to our culture as Halloween. I believe that, for me, Samhain is losing its solemnity as a day for respecting our ancestors. It is a day where I should be honoring those how have died, lighting a candle to help them return, even if only for a day. Instead, I am dressed up in some type of costume, laughing and collecting candy with my kids. How can I resolve these differences? Should I resolve them? And if I could, would my children let me??
Instead, I have been trying to find ways in which to celebrate both holidays. Of course, my house is decorated in true Halloween style; pumpkins, skulls, black and orange ribbons, plastic spider webs. But I have also included a few more Pagan style decorations. I have decorated my broom with beautiful silk autumn leaves, to remind me of the passing of another year, which will begin again in the spring. I have gourds and seasonal flowers on my table and mantle. As Samhain gets closer, I will put pictures of my grandparents out on display as well. This combination of decorations blends the two holidays quite well for me.
And since my children, ages 4 and 6, would never ever ever let me have a serious, let alone mute supper when there is treat or treating to be done, I will hold a family dinner on November 1. This is the time when I will make a special meal, based on my ancestry. I cannot expect my kids to be quiet for an entire meal, but we will share a moment of quiet (aahhhh!) and think of our family members and our cats that have died. We will set out some food for them and ask them to watch over us in the coming year. We will share closeness to them again that feels very special.
So this is how I am going to combine the two holidays, at least for the next few years. We will have our fun and frivolity. We will collect all the candy we can and try to scare each other silly. We will also remember our loved one who are gone from this world and invite them to join us for a brief moment. We will share our love for them, as well as for God and Goddess who bring this year to a close and begin a new one.
Is it possible? Halloween silly, Samhain serious? Sure why not!?
