Halloween's Celtic Roots

What is the fascination with Halloween? More and more it is developing into a national holiday. Despite having its roots in an ancient Celtic holiday, Samhain, there are only a handful of people who still celebrate the true holiday compared to the commercial boom that it has become.

The holiday transcends the United States and even China takes part in the mix of jack o' lanterns and costumes.

The true holiday is the Celtic New Year. Ancient beliefs say that it is on this night, the dead walk the earth again. It was later transformed into All-Hallows-Eve or All Souls' Day by the Catholic Church. The Catholic church made the day after Samhain the important day, All Saints Day. Yet, it was the walking dead that held the attention of the masses.

What is it about ghouls and goblins that attract us? What other subject has box office hit movies that have sequels into the double digits? The whole concept fascinates me. I actually could not even sit through one of those horror flicks never mind a sequel. Is the hype about death and dying? Or is it about dressing up and pretending to be someone or something that you are not? Are we really looking for an escape? Have you ever felt like you just wanted to be someone else? We can dress up and pretend to be someone we are not but that doesn't last. We are still left with the person that we were when we started.

There is a saying coined by author and therapist Ernie Larson that says, “Wherever you go, there you are.” When we get that feeling of not wanting to be who we are, we need to do something different on the inside.

I was feeling this myself the other day. I couldn't get past myself. I felt trapped and wanted to be anyone else but me. I was tired and frustrated. My suggestion to others at times like these is to dig into their spiritual toolbox. The real problem is that I was 'spooked' inside. Therefore I needed some healing on the inside. If I were to put on some horror mask to the world and be mean, angry or better than others, nothing would be resolved. When the smoke cleared, I would be left with me. This time it would be a me that was more confused than when I started.

The inside 'spook' is always fear. If I can retreat long enough to go inside and pray. If I can take a moment to meditate, listen to helpful music, chant or just call a kind mentor or friend. There will be no need to put on a mask. The fears get lifted and the goblins disappear. Death, our biggest fear becomes something to have fun with and that is cause for celebration. Have a Happy Halloween!