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History of Samba Music

Samba music remains a popular and widespread musical genre. Thought to have originated with African slaves who brought it to Brazil, the music has roots in traditional African ceremonies. Enjoyed by people all over the world, the samba has a distinctive sound and vibe in which revelers take pleasure. Fused with contemporary music, samba music became an integral part of the yearly Brazilian Carnaval. This cultural tie samba has with Carnaval makes it a symbol of racial and social harmony.

How Samba Became Popular

Samba became popular as a particular musical style after establishment in the area of Bahia known as Little Africa. Bahian priestesses (tias) performed ceremonies to trigger responses from the gods through song and dance in religious houses there. Participants danced to the beat of African drums and other percussion instruments in these religious ceremonies. People would create and compose samba variations in the religious houses of the Bahian priestesses.

Samba Music

Slaves migrated from Bahia to Rio when slavery ended. They wanted to keep the roots of samba alive, so they started Escolas de Samba (samba schools) there. Blocos (street bands) formed the basis of the first escolas. The schools allowed a creative, artistic way of expression for poor communities. The culture of samba continued in the percussion music and dancers as they celebrated Carnaval throughout their neighborhoods and favelas (shanty towns) close by.

Samba in early 1900’s

In 1917 Ernesto dos Santos presented the Samba Carnavalesco to the public in the song Pelo Telefone (On the Telephone). The 1920s saw a rise in Samba music that made it a favorite for the Brazilian Carnaval. The parades later became contests in which participants competed using the rhythmic dancing methods of the samba and elaborate costumes.

The samba cultural movement became a way of infusing national pride in the region. Samba became recognizable throughout the world and became officially recognized as a musical genre and dance form. The Portuguese and Iberian connection of the samba remained intact, and in 1925 it was imported to Europe where many studied its origins.

Samba in 1930s

In the 1930s the government began subsidizing the escolas de samba that used patriotic themes in their performance. These escolas promoted the ideal of Brazil as a racial democracy with a strong infusion of distinctly “African” samba style. This practice, along with profit-seeking small businesses that used the escolas for tourism, hurt the authenticity of samba for many years.

The pagoda movement of the 1980s revitalized the authenticity of samba. The grassroots movement formed from Rio’s working class suburbs and merged Afro-Brazilian nationalist identity with cultural resistance through aggressive samba lyrics to combat the deterioration of authenticity. The people organized their own carnival parade blocos that had freedom from external corrupting influences.

Samba Today

Due to their efforts, samba continues to delight its listeners with its versatility and cultural influence. Samba continued to evolve over the years and developed into different subgenres. Popular genres developed in this region include Mesemba, Baiano, a Batucada and Carnaval.

Samba Music

Additionally, samba comes in different forms: samba canção, samba-choro, samba carnavalesco, samba enredo and samba de breque. The samba sound pulls together the rhythmic percussion tempo variation with the sounds of pandeiro, reco reco, tamborim and cuica that give it distinct resonance and vibe.

Samba throughout history has delighted its listeners with music and dance expression. It allowed many cultural interchanges. The music changed over time with the mix of the multicultural aspect of Brazilian and African historical roots. The European influence on Samba can also be seen in contemporary forms of salsa.

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History of Presidential Campaigns

In electoral crusades for almost all countries’ top positions, including that for the U.S. presidency, one cannot help but notice the different gimmicks and promotional ads plastered on every medium there is. Political rivals fight tooth and nail for nationwide campaigns, hiring-top-of-the-line people in hopes of boosting their names in the next survey or poll results. But how did these campaigns, specifically those for the presidency, come to be?

History

Ardent presidential campaigns in the U.S. date back to the mid-19th century when elections used memorabilia very extensively. The widespread use of buttons bearing the names of political candidates date back to the inauguration of George Washington for the presidency in 1789. His supporters wore stylish coat buttons, and these have remained popular ways to show support for more than 200 years. Bumper stickers, pens, mugs, T-shirts and caps are also popular objects for campaign messages.

Presidential

In the early 1830s people gathered in groups during parties to discuss among themselves and perhaps convince others to vote for their aspiring candidates, as a number of matters had grown quite contentious in the country. The practice transformed later on to conventions, which continue to this day.

Radio Campaigns

Necessity became the mother of invention in the 1900s, and it was in that era that radios set afire the avid campaigns where hard-to-travel places became accessible by means of transmission waves. Radios brought more than convenience to the candidates, allowing them to travel less and campaign from the comfort of a radio station booth to far-flung places they could not otherwise have reached if they were to campaign in person.

Television Campaigns

Television also had a profound impact on presidential campaigns. In 1960 the first presidential debate took place on national television between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. This allowed millions of viewers to see and hear the presidential aspirants’ views on important national issues. Debates on television provided enlightenment on topics like economic crises and issues like poverty and security.

The Impact of the Internet

Regarding the evolution of presidential campaigns, the Internet has undoubtedly provided many campaign opportunities via political advertisement. Candidates with the financial capability to buy ads have powerful edges against other political aspirant. They communicate and reach out to a wider audience to woo more votes. In this dynamic age of computer technology, videos, blogs, websites and the like are good venues for presidential campaigns. A video uploaded on a particular web site can either make or break a presidential candidate overnight.

Presidential

The history of presidential campaigns has progressed over time. New and better means of technology and communication have significantly impacted such campaigns, from the innocent-looking coat button-down of George Washington’s campaign to the complicated world of computers and Internet of Barack Obama’s campaign.

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History of Parades

The traditional pastime of parades fills us with excitement and a sense of nostalgia. Who can pass up a Thanksgiving Day or Mardi Gras celebration parade? People stand curbside and cheer as the procession of high school bands, enormous floats and actors and politicians pass by the crowd. No matter what kind of entertaining parade you enjoy, the parades seem to outdo themselves in fun, excitement and visual spectacles every year. Parades also symbolize an integral part of human culture and history.

Origin of Parades

The origin of the parade has its roots in the military and politics. Generations of rulers have projected their power through displays of strength and trepidation, going back to humanity’s first civilizations.

Parades

Mesopotamian rulers decorated their buildings with illustrations depicting their conquests. Often the pictures depicted the ruler walking on the head of his conquered enemies in front of his army. The actions, designed to lift the monarch’s prestige, cemented his legitimacy as a ruler. Later parades functioned as broad podiums that connected the ruler to his audience and allowed him to spread his authority as he made his way through the crowds.

Religious authorities and organizations used parades in much the same way as the military and politicians did before them. The parade offered a large platform for them to connect with the community and foster power. The public enjoyed the parades since they got a chance to be close to the powerful members of society who passed by.

Parades. Fairs and Festivals

Many parades became associated with fairs and festivals. People came together to socialize and learn about recent news. Citizens could have fun times in the middle of misery in medieval times as the circus parades and brightly painted carreros (carts) of Italy brightened people’s lives. The public anticipated such events, and the parades developed a flashy and exotic mood. The fleeting moments provided great pleasure and an escape from everyday life.

Modern parades expanded the exotic and flashy parade and added a sense of excess to them. Mardi Gras and Carnival parades stem from the religious obligations associated with Lent. Parade revelers and participants put on masks and costumes, dance provocatively, and ignore social conventions during the celebratory weeks of the festivities.

Military parades starkly contrast with the festive carnivals. Military parades often feature disciplined marching with historical salutes and drills. The style of marching originated with the Prussian army, and many armies around the world copied the strict disciplinary lock-step. Parades in many countries display these marches to demonstrate military hardware and memorialize the past sacrifices of soldiers in times of war.

Parades

One of the largest parades today is the Macy’s Day Parade that started in 1924. The parade started the tradition of a parade used as advertising. The parade, started by Macy’s employees, featured animals from the Central Park Zoo. The first parade, considered a huge success by its organizers, became a yearly tradition. Companies pay thousands of dollars to display their brand on rolling floats and cartoon character balloons in the Macy’s Day Parade. Three million spectators watch the annual parade as it winds its way through Manhattan, and four million viewers watch it on TV.

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History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, which takes place annually on the last Monday of May, is one of America’s favorite federal holidays because it officially kicks off the summer season. It is also a very emotional holiday for a lot of people because it is held in honor of all the U.S. Army’s fallen soldiers. The history of Memorial Day is much more complex than it might seem and dates back to the 19th century.

Beginnings – Decoration Day

There is no absolute certainty as to when and where the first Memorial Day was held. It has been documented, however, that several towns around the country started celebrating their dead shortly after the end of the Civil War in 1865. Towns from both the North and the South (including places in Illinois, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Mississippi, for example) took part in this annual tradition. It soon became known as “Decoration Day,” in reference to the custom of decorating soldiers’ graves.  The practice promptly caught on.

Memorial Day

One town in particular became famous for its celebration of Decoration Day: Waterloo, New York, whose inhabitants started the tradition in 1866 and held it every year on the same date for a long time. Decoration Day became a national event in 1868 when Gen. John Logan, who was at the time at the head of a veteran’s organization, proclaimed its usefulness for the whole country. The first official Decoration Day took place on May 30, 1868, amid defiance from some Southern states unwilling to unite with the North so soon after the end of the Civil War.

Memorial Day

Decoration Day only officially became Memorial Day in 1967, even though that name had been used since the end of the 19th century and had become popular after World War II. A year later Memorial Day became a “uniform” holiday, set on the last Monday of May (instead of May 30). The rationale was for three major federal holidays (the other two being President’s Day and Veteran’s Day) to provide Americans with a long weekend every year. Americans now observe Memorial Day not only in commemoration of fallen Civil War veterans, but also in honor of all American soldiers who lost their lives in war.

Memorial Day

Celebrating Memorial Day

As is the case with many holidays, time has somewhat reduced the historical significance of Memorial Day in the minds of many people. Nevertheless, the American government still hosts a service every year in celebration of its dead soldiers. Arlington Military Cemetery traditionally hosts the ceremony every year with thousands of people in attendance. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in particular, is honored, and the President addresses the nation.

For the American people, Memorial Day still remains more than just a day off from work. It is customary, for example, to pay your respects at a cemetery or take a trip to Washington D.C. This holiday is also a merry one, as people celebrate the arrival of warmer weather. Additionally, picnics and barbecues have become hallmarks of Memorial Day celebration as the country gets ready for summer.

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History of the Christmas Tree

Throughout the world when the Christmas holiday season is upon us one of the most popular traditions involves decorating a tree with ribbon and small ornaments, a string of lights that flash, and of course the magic of stacking gifts for loved ones under the bottom branches. Usually the decorated Christmas tree takes pride of place in the corner of the room or beside the fireplace for several weeks, until it is finally removed on the day of Epiphany (6th January).

In ancient northern European cultures before the Greeks and Romans had built their empires, evergreen trees were considered magical and able to resist the darkness of winter when everything else died. The priests and villagers of the time would gather around the tallest evergreen every year at the winter solstice and pray to the gods for the return of the sun and the warm weather that let their crops grow and the animals multiply.

It seems strange to 21st century people to think that summer wouldn’t return but thousands of years ago people only knew that winter was a harsh and bleak time. They knew that the sun comes and then goes, and then returns again but their lives were so precarious, and populations so small that they were only able to stockpile enough food and firewood to last thru the winter and if the sun didn’t return they’d perish. In this context it is easy to understand the magic that evergreen trees obviously had.

Christmas Tree Detail

Ancient Egyptian society were known to appreciate the value of evergreen trees as well and would bring palm fronds into their homes and temples at the winter solstice which symbolized the importance of life over death. The ancient Egyptians strongly believed in an afterlife and the concept of resurrection, and palm fronds which remained green became a symbol of eternal life.

The pagan beliefs and customs of decorating the Christmas tree are even believed to be mentioned in Jeremiah 10:2-4 when God is quoted as saying “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. 3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. 4 They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.”

Many Christians misinterpret these passages as indicating that the Christmas tree are an un-Christian pagan activity which should be discontinued. In fact most Christian scholars agree Jeremiah is instead referring to the pagan practice of cutting and turning timber into an idol which was then decorated with gold and silver and worshipped as a god. There is no historical evidence to suggest that the Christmas tree, or indeed any decorated tree, ever formed part of the pagan traditions of the Holy Land.

During the Roman era a festivity known as Saturnalia was one of the most important events in the Roman calendar, occurring at around the same time as Christmas is celebrated. The 25th of December was originally the end of Saturnalia but after Roman centurions conquered Babylon the 25th of December which was celebrated by Babylonians as the day of birth of their sun god Mithra found its way into Roman society as many Romans adopted Mithraism as their main religion. Yet it should be said the Romans were polytheistic and many mithraists would have continued to worship traditional Roman gods as well.

Christmas Trees in Snow

Mithra so legend tells was also born from an immaculate conception and predates Christian and Roman beliefs by two millennia having been the most powerful god of pre-Babylonian societies such as the ancient Persians and Vedic peoples of Northern India (known as Mitra in Vedic). Mithra’s birth was celebrated every year by the decorating of an evergreen tree in the homes of worshippers.

A fir tree was traditionally decorated by Roman citizens and gifts placed under the tree just as modern Christians do, although after the fall of the Roman Empire the practice of decorating a tree as had been done during Saturnalia fell into disuse in most parts of the Christian world.

The Catholic Church of the time attempted to eradicate all pagan traditions and was forced in 274AD to adopt most pagan holidays and give them new meaning to reduce the more unsavory aspects of the traditions. In part they were successful but in fact the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 550AD and the growth of Islamization around the Mediterranean from the early 8th century did more to curtail pagan beliefs.

The late medieval ages saw a revival of pagan traditions throughout Europe to varying degrees leading to many monks and priests inventing stories that reaffirmed the connection between decorating trees and Christ’s birth. Nobody knows exactly who created the story of the fir tree becoming the Christmas tree. Medieval fables told of all living creatures attending Christ’s birth and bring whatever gifts they could.

The trees too gave gifts, olives from the olive tree, dates from the palm tree, but the fir having traveled from Europe was tired and had nothing to give. Seeing how disappointed the fir tree was the angels descended and sat on its branches and casting their light as miniature stars. The baby Jesus was so entranced by the light of the angels on the fir tree that He declared that for the rest of time the fir tree should be decorated with lights and surrounded by gifts to bring joy to little children.

We know that Martin Luther (born 1483 – 1546) in Germany, the man who founded the protestant movement during the reformation decorated a fir tree with lights and small ornaments for his children so that he could inspire them with the wonder of Christ’s birth. Nobody is sure if Martin Luther invented the modern form of decorating the Christmas tree or if the Christmas tree was enjoying new found popularity. Certainly at the same time there are other reports of trees being decorated with fruits, cheeses, and nuts for the benefit of orphaned children.

Upside Down Christmas Tree

By the 1800s the tradition of decorating a fir tree at Christmas time was well established in the German speaking nations and in some of their neighboring principalities, and thousands of small factories existed that would manufacture small glass balls decorated with intricate designs and patterns to be hung from the tree. The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree didn’t arrive in the English speaking world until after the marriage of Queen Victoria and her German Prince Albert.

German and English settlers to the US in the 19h century brought their Christmas activities with them although puritan America resisted the traditions for some time, some American Christians still refusing to celebrate Christmas and decorate a Christmas tree to this day. The late 1800s gave rise to the birth of the commercialization of Christmas and the easy availability of fir trees, decorations, and lights as US department stores took to competing with one another for the best window display. The Christmas holiday season became one of their best income periods resulting in bigger and more colorful displays.

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History of Christmas

Christmas is the time of the year when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and along with Easter is their most important event in the Christian calendar. In the 21st century the Christmas holiday season has become popular outside of the Christian faith, with many Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, and even Muslims adopting the holiday aspect of Christmas.

Whilst Christ was born a little over two thousand years ago, the traditions of Christmas time go back a lot further, in fact the birth of Christ was superimposed onto older pagan ceremonies and traditions that go back at least to ancient Mesopotamian civilization and perhaps even further back to the first human settlements.

One of the oldest traditions such as burning the Yule log, a somewhat less popular tradition these days but still the subject of numerous carols or Christmas cards, dates back to the earliest times and was important to pagan people for symbolizing the birth of the Sun God and the end of the winter months. Different ancient cultures had different ceremonies, some would dance and sing around the log, others would huddle in their homes until the threat of evil Gods had passed.

Christmas Gifts

To truly understand the history of Christmas we need to look at the entire holiday rather than just the day of the 25th of December, for example the 12 days of Christmas, the Yule log, caroling, giving gifts, street processions, and seasonal holiday meals are all activities that pre-date the Christmas holiday season.

The 12 days of Christmas immortalized in a song of the same name was originally a Babylonian festival held around the winter solstice when the god Marduk, who was the supreme deity of the Babylon city-state, would battle the demons of the underworld for 12 days and nights until the sun returned.

The Roman festival of Saturnalia is believed to be derived from the Babylonian festival but was characterized by feating and debauchery, and a switching of roles between rulers and the ruled, in fact for the entire month of January Rome was often ruled by peasants whilst the aristocracy pretended to be their slaves and servants. The entire city would close for the month to allow everyone to participate.

At the time of the early Christian Church, the Roman Empire ruled most of the Mediterranean shores including the Holy Land. Religion was paganist and every part of the empire had its own Gods and celebrations, and if they were colorful enough these would often be adopted in other parts of the empire. Temples to new divinities would spring up regularly, almost fashionably.

Many Christians believe the 25th of December to be the actual day of Christ’s birth, in fact historians and Church leaders are divided on this with many believing Joshua (Yeshua in Ancient Hebrew) of Nazareth, now known as Jesus Christ was actually born in the month of March. In pre-Christian times the 25th of December coincided with the Babylonian celebration of Mithra’s birth, and in the Roman calendar was the first day of the Saturnalia festival.

Saint Andrew's Roman Catholic Church

Saint Andrew's Roman Catholic Church

In the 4th century the Roman Catholic Church had become concerned that the festival of Saturnalia and the celebration of Mithra’s birth weren’t showing signs of diminishing so it was decreed that the period would be known as the 12 days of Christmas beginning on the day of Christ’s birth and ending on the day of epiphany. In 350 AD Julius I, Bishop of Rome, settled on the 25th of December as the official date for celebrating Christ’s birth.

During the medieval ages feasting and dancing during the 12 Days of Christmas showed some signs that the Church hadn’t in fact been terribly successful, and whilst the switching of roles was long consigned to the history books, other aspects such as debauchery amongst the working classes was very much alive and well.

The most enduring image of Christmas for many people, and certainly most children is the idea of Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, or Papa Noel bringing gifts and presents to good boys and girls all over the world. This too is an idea from Saturnalia that predates the birth of Christ and which the Catholic Church unsuccessfully tried to banish in favor of a more austere and reflective Christmas.

A more appealing story of the history of giving gifts at Christmas time comes from Bishop Nicholas of Myra who is the patron saint of children. Bishop Nicholas was never known to give gifts at Christmas time, instead he gave gifts when he noticed a need, for example the gold coins he threw in the window of the poor man’s home so that his daughters would have a dowry for their wedding.

After his death Nicholas was elevated to sainthood with December the 5th becoming his Saint’s day, and it is on this day in many parts of Europe that children receive some of their gifs, in countries like the Netherlands and Germany this used to be the day that children received all of their gifts until English traditions of gift giving on the 25th became better known.

Decorating the tree is a popular Christmas tradition that has it’s roots in Germany, some say that Martin Luther himself decorated a tree at Christmas time, but it wasn’t until Queen Victoria married her German Prince Albert that decorating the tree became popular in England and then the US.

In pre-Christian times people from Scandinavia and Germany would hang apples and candles from trees at the winter solstice as a reminder that spring would return soon. The tradition survived in Germany but at one time the practice had to be banned because the practice of cutting off the top of the tree to decorate decimated Germany’s forests.

German villagers used to make hand-made decorations and blown glass baubles for their trees, but some historians believe this tradition stems from Roman times and the festival of Saturnalia when Romans would decorate trees.

A Christmas Tree inside a House

Kissing under the Mistletoe is an ancient tradition from Northern Europe, enemies who passed one another under the mistletoe were required to lay down their arms for a day, but in modern times the tradition states that a man and a woman who meet under the mistletoe must kiss, and can do so without being disloyal to their spouses.

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History of Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day as a US federal and State public holiday honoring service men and women who served in defense of the nation. November the 11th every year is designated Veteran’s Day and involves religious services, veterans marches, and family get togethers. The history of Veteran’s Day begins with Armistace Day.

The 11th of November is a day of remembrance outside of the US such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and France amongst others, but the US is the only nation to name it Veteran’s Day. Unlike other nations who honor their dead, in the US all service men and women who served their nation are honored.

Joseph Ambrose - World War I Veteran

Joseph Ambrose - World War I Veteran

Armistace Day was created by President Wilson after the end of World War I, in those days known only as the Great War, and originally the day wasn’t a holiday but just a solemn moment of 2 minutes silence to remember the fallen from WWI.

In 1921 Congress authorizes the construction of the Tomb of Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery just across the Potomac River in Virginia. In the same year the US Veterans Bureau was formed as a Federal department under Colonel Charles Forbes, it’s first director.

Sadly Forbes was arrested and relieved of duty after only two years on the job and charged with conspiracy to defraud the Federal government. He was replaced by Brigadier General Frank Hines who was instrumental in reorganizing the Bureau to better serve the needs of veterans and historically has been seen as the man who most brought Armistace Day to the forefront of the national consciousness.

Veterans Day

By the 1950s, the US had been involved in two further wars, World War II, and the Korean War, both of which produced a great many heroes and veterans and who were not being honored or remembered on Armistace Day, so the Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) responsible for them requested a change of name to Veteran’s Day.

In 1954 Congress duly passed the amendment, and president Eisenhower appointed Harvey Higley the Chairman of the Veteran’s Day National Committee. If Veteran’s Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Friday or Monday, whichever is closest to the 11th is also designated a public holiday.

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History of Halloween

The evening and night of the 31st October which we call Halloween, is a magical time celebrated by people of all faiths these days, and none more so than by children who delight in dressing up as ghosts and skeletons going from door to door trick or treating. Carrying hollowed out pumpkin lanterns and singing ghoulish songs they are rewarded for their efforts with candy and sometimes a few coins to spend the next day.

A lot of the meaning behind the history of Halloween has been lost as we celebrate our modern version but its roots are still well known and make a great story to tell children before they set off on their mission to frighten and entertain. Originally Halloween was known by the Celtic name Samhain, which some historians believe might be how we get the word ‘summer’.

Halloween Pumpkin

Halloween Folklore

Thousands of years ago the Celtic people of Western Europe, particularly the British Isles and Western France believed that on the last day of summer, roughly the same day as our 31st October, the barriers between the world of the living and the kingdom of the dead would open allowing spirits and saints to pass amongst the living.

Evil spirits would go from door to door frightening the people, and anyone unlucky enough to be out had to hurry back before the spirits caught them and took them back to the kingdom of the dead. It was a terrifying night and to protect themselves the people would turn to the druids who were the priests and protectors of the Celts, and would light great fires and offer sacrifices to appease the evil spirits until the barriers had closed again the next day.

The gods and other good spirits would often battle the evil spirits but they needed the help of the living world to keep the evil spirits from tearing down completely the barrier separating the two worlds. Sacrifices of animal bones were thrown into the fire leading to them being called the bone fires, which is how the bonfire came to be part of the history of Halloween.

In return for helping the gods fight the evil spirits on Samhain night, the gods would make it possible for the druids to see the future and predict the weather and the health of their king for the next year, so allowing the Celts to prepare their seeds or stockpile foods to carry them thru the seasons.

The druids would also recite poems to the sun who they believed was a god so that it would return the following year and warm the earth. The winter months were cold, dark, and nothing much would grow. Celtic people of the time also believed that if the sun didn’t return they would be too weak to help the saints fight the evil spirits, and that ultimately the devil would win and the earth would perish.

Halloween Pumpkins

Roman and Christian Halloween

After the Romans invaded the Celtic lands many of the Celts converted to Roman pagan rituals but still kept many of their own Celtic festivals, Samhain being one of these, however the celebrations were merged with Roman festivities that happened at around the same time. One of these was the festival of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees.

Pomona’s symbol was the apple, which gave rise to the tradition of bending over a barrel and trying to bite the bobbing apple with our hands behind our backs, a tradition which has survived into the 21st century in the British Isles and is making a comeback in other parts of the world that celebrate Halloween and it’s history.

When the Christian faith finally found it’s way to Ireland and the people converted to the Roman Catholic church from their traditional Pagan beliefs, many of the old celebrations and feasts became Christian celebrations, and Samhain was no different, becoming instead All Hallows Eve, also known as All Saints Day.

Sacrifices were no longer allowed, and instead of druids reciting poems, monks and priests would chant hymns honoring the Saints of Christendom. The Saints would be asked to keep looking over the people, and in some masses are begged not to forsake the living and continue performing miracles.

The first of November, known as All Souls Day, is a day of remembrance for the dearly departed and in many parts of the world is a day when families will visit the graves of their loved ones to place flowers and tell them all that has happened in the world for the last year. It is a time of celebration to many rather than a time of sadness.

Jack o’lantern

In the 19th and 20th centuries Halloween has changed from being a religious celebration to an annual holiday mostly for children who dress up in costumes and wander from house to house singing songs in small groups. A favorite tradition that started in the USA and is now spreading to other parts of the world is the carved pumpkin lantern with a scary face and a candle inside known as jack o’lantern.

The story behind jack with the lantern is another old favorite, about a man in Ireland who had stolen from the villagers and as he was being chased out of town he met the devil who had come to claim Jack’s soul. Jack managed to strike a deal with the devil, the villagers souls in exchange for Jack’s freedom.

The devil would turn into a silver coin that Jack would give to the villagers as payment for his crimes, and then when the villagers were tucked in their beds the devil would return to normal form and take the villagers one by one. Jack cunningly put the coin into a purse that also contained a cross, thus trapping the devil and allowing Jack to escape.

Many years later Jack died but for his sins is turned away from Heaven, but the devil still remembers his treatment at Jack’s hands and forbids him entrance to Hell, thus Jack was forever doomed to wander the dark nights. the devil’s parting gift to Jack for besting him is a sliver hot coal from the fires of hell, which Jack places in a lantern to aid his travels.

The pumpkin lantern we use today reminds us of the deal Jack did, and originally was made from any large vegetable that was available, which in the USA was a large orange or yellow pumpkin. The top is cut off and the flesh scraped out then a face carved into the side. The light from the candle reflects off the yellow flesh giving the lantern a suitably scary look.

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