"Today's Halloween customs are thought to have been influenced by folk customs and beliefs from the Celtic-speaking countries, some of which have pagan roots, and others which may be rooted in Celtic Christianity.
Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while "some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain", which comes from the Old Irish for "summer's end" Samhain (pronounced SAH-win or SOW-in) was the first and most important of the four quarter days in the medieval Gaelic calendar and was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.It was held on or about October 31 – November 1 and kindred festivals were held at the same time of year by the Brittonic Celts; for example Calan Gaeaf (in Wales), Kalan Gwav (in Cornwall) and Kalan Goañv (in Brittany). Samhain and Calan Gaeaf are mentioned in some of the earliest Irish and Welsh literature. The names have been used by historians to refer to Celtic Halloween customs up until the 19th century, and are still the Gaelic and Welsh names for Halloween."
Interesting, isn't it? I don't understand why "Halloween" is not really very popular in the Netherlands.The poster shows an invitation to join a Halloween party in a park in Rotterdam. It should be attractive to children, I think. On the poster it says "Griezelavonden"(=Blood-curdling evenings) on Wednesday. And it says:" Iedere dag extra enge activiteiten", meaning:"Every day extra weird activities."
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Happy HalloweenWith thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar.This week we are looking for words beginning with P.Words in this post beginning with P: Poster, Plaswijckpark, Pagan, Pomona, Parentalia. |
19 comments:
Another wonderful and fascinating post, Wil!! I love the history and the background you've shared with us!! Thank you!! Hope your week is off to a great start! Enjoy!!
Sylvia
Great POST, Wil. I'm impressed how you managed to use the letter P for Halloween! Have a great week,
Leslie
abcw team
Interesting informative article, great for letter "P"...
Thanks.
I certainly did not know the origin of Halloween. Thanks as always for making me a wee bit smarter.
I heard on the news that nasty storm effected the Netherlands also. Hope you got no ill effects.
interesting Halloween history.
An Arkie's Musings
I have to admit that I was wondering what the letter P and Halloween were going to fit together.
I always enjoy having the wee little ones come to the door for their trick or treats...only treats at our house.
I have actually been surprised to see Halloween is celebrated in other countries (even Japan apparently)...there is a lot of great information here; I always learn something new from your posts.
PS: I saw your comment on Carver's blog and want to wish you Happy memories and send you virtual hugs.
Great post for the letter P and an interesting look at holidays this time of the year. Happy Anniversary!
It's not popular in New Zealand either!
ROG, ABCW
nice post.
Ewok's ABC WEDNESDAY
Halloween has so many probable beginnings but I prefer to just to think of it for a time to dress up and have some fall food and candy.
Ann
It seems to me that Halloween, like Christmas, is beginning to be a great boon to the economy in some parts of the world!
great Post as always. I am kinda attracted to Halloween especially the ones that go bump in the night..
PhenoMenon, ABCW
http://throodalookingglass.com/2013/10/preying-mantis/
Interesting information!
Hope you are having a beautiful day!
Lea
Hellow again!
Thanks for correcting my metrics. Actually the pear weighs 710g.
When I went to school (the 1960s in the US) we were not taught the metric system. Hopefully children in school now are learning it as it is being used more here than it used to be.
Thanks!
Lea
I was listening to Samhain music earlier this week. Glad you included how it is pronounced. I like finding new(to me) words like Pomona and Parentalia. Thanks, Reader Wil.
Hazel
The park provides a great link with Halloween. Its a fun time for children but lots of the old traditions have gone with the commercialisation.
A reasonable account of the history of all hallow eve.
I guess I can do without Halloween, but not the candy! I love the beautiful peacock butterfly as your header. I think Halloween is spreading to other countries for economic reasons. It has a major influence on consumer trade here in the States.
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