Psychic Blog

Halloween’s literal translation is ‘summer’s end’. In Celtic tradition, Samhain marks the end of the ‘light half’ of the year and the beginning of the ‘dark half’. Many traditions across different continents celebrate the end of harvest and honour the dead, and often, these celebrations are punctuated by some sort of fire or light.

Days of the Dead

In many places in Europe and Mexico, the focus is more on festivals of the dead, usually celebrated on the 1st/2nd of November. It is a time when ancestors are honoured, and graves of past loved ones are visited. And souls that have not yet reached heaven are encouraged to continue their journey. You may hear these dates referred to as All Hallows’ Day, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and in Mexico as Dias de Los Muertos (Days of the Dead).

Bonfire Night

In the UK, we tend to celebrate on the 5th of November with fireworks and bonfires that light up the sky. At its heart, this story is one of good over evil. Under Celtic tradition, lighting bonfires is both celebratory and protectionary – helping to frighten away evil spirits.

Diwali

Diwali marks the Jain, Hindu and Sikh New Year; its literal translation is ‘rows of lighted lamps’, and is often colloquially known as the Festival of Lights. Tiny lamps, called Diya’s, are placed in windowsills and courtyards and gardens, and candles are often lit and floated in waterways.

The festivities last five days, and the dates alter depending on the New Moon, generally around late October – early November. The celebration reconfirms hope, goodwill and friendship. Homes will often be cleaned from top to bottom, before being decorated, and folk will wear new clothes.

Regional differences naturally occur, but generally, the first day will welcome visitors and white patterns (rangolis) are often drawn on the ground near doorsteps. It is an auspicious day to make purchases, particularly silver or gold! Day two is reserved for lights and prayers for a positive future. Diwali occurs on day three – the New Moon, fireworks light the sky, lamps are lit, and sweets are eaten. The fourth day is the commencement of the New Year – a time to forgive feuds and settle debts. The fifth day is a celebration of siblings.

Thanksgiving

In America, this season is marked with Thanksgiving – it occurs on the fourth Thursday in November. Families and friends crisscross the country to get home to celebrate together. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln described it as a time for harmony, liberty and industry and one of plentiful blessings. Thanksgiving was seen, as a time; to mark fruitful fields and healthful skies. Nowadays, people tend to take it more literally – as the name suggests as a period of giving thanks and counting their blessings.

What will you do to welcome in this winter period?