Blurry Creatures
EP: 202 Festival of the Dead with Luke Eastwood
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Halloween is rooted in the veneration of ancestors and the thinning of the veil between worlds, allowing communication with spirits.
- Understanding the history and traditions behind Halloween can bring a greater sense of connection to the past and our ancestors.
Deep dives
The Origins of Halloween and the Celebration of Saawin
The celebration of Saawin is rooted in the veneration of ancestors and the thinning of the veil between the other world and our reality. Families invite their ancestors' spirits back to their homes with the belief that they can communicate and connect with them during this time. Divination and prophecy are also associated with Saawin. Traditions such as setting out food for ancestors and lighting a fire to guide their spirits are still followed. The use of turnips or pumpkins in carving lanterns originated from the tradition of using turnips. Modern Halloween celebrations have become commercialized and disconnected from their original meanings. Neo-Druidism can provide a deeper understanding of the roots and purpose of Halloween. Celebrations may include outdoor rituals, lighting a single candle in the window, and invoking the goddess Kaliak. Folk games and divination practices, like apple bobbing, are remnants of ancient traditions. The significance of the number 13 was changed over time by the church, but originally it held auspicious meanings related to lunar and female cycles. Understanding the history and traditions behind Halloween can bring a greater sense of connection to the past and our ancestors.
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