The history of Hallowe'en
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| • FIND your own path: Ilfracombe witch Dawn Gribble believes paganism is up-to-date and others many different roads to explore. Ref: TG4203 |
AT Hallowe’en people think of trick or treating, ghosts, pumpkin lanterns and witches costumes — but many in North Devon may not realise a witch or two is closer than they might think!
Dawn Gribble is a practising witch who lives in Ilfracombe and is keen to dispel some of the misconceptions about her craft, pagans and Hallowe’en:
“There are lots of witches in North Devon,” she told the Gazette at the suburban home she shares with husband Simon and their sons.
“That’s not surprising really, since it’s an old part of the country where a lot of people still observe tradition and folklore.”
Dawn describes herself as a practitioner of magic, which generally means she works to live in harmony with her surroundings and uses crystals, herbs or other “occult” items to focus positive energy and bring about benevolent effects for her family, household or friends.
She and Simon operate an online business at www.pagan-magic.co.uk offering occult items, artefacts and ingredients as well as advice, information and a forum.
“Not all pagans are witches — paganism is an umbrella term which technically applies to anyone not a follower of one of the major religions,” she said.
“A lot of mainstream traditions such as Yule logs, holly and ivy, Hallowe’en and even Christmas have their roots in paganism.
“Witchcraft has suffered a bad reputation over the last few hundred years and been associated with devil worship, which couldn’t be further from the truth since the devil is a Christian concept,” continued Dawn.
“And there are no set rules, it’s all about finding your own path.”
Hallowe’en was originally the pagan festival of Samhain — pronounced “sow-een” — and the name was shortened from All-Hallow-Even, the night before All Hallows Day, or All Souls Day.
Traditionally it is thought to be the time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thinnest — in fact the pagan view of one of their most important festivals is far kinder than the ghoulish Hollywood version:
“For me Hallowe’en will be marking the end of summer, honouring the deceased, protecting the home from negative influences and setting gaols,” said Dawn
“We will probably sit down to a nice meal of local produce, carry on the tradition of remembering those we have lost, light a candle, perhaps have some friends around — and if anyone is missing a loved one, now is the time to tell them that.
Pagan events take place throughout North Devon and Dawn is planning to hold monthly meetings for those who want to share experiences, meet like-minded people or find out more. Workshops and other activities are also held regularly at Aluna in Market Street, Barnstaple.
“It’s sociable, friendly and that’s at the heart of witchcraft, creating a stronger and happier environment for everyone,” concluded Dawn.
Find out more about paganism, the occult, witchcraft and the origins of Hallowe’en by visiting www.pagan-magic.co.uk
All Hallows Eve Facts:
The pagan festival originated in the British Isles and versions were carried to North America by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland in the 19th Century.
In ancient times the date of Samhain changed, as the timing of the festival was dependant on the correct moon phase, after the introduction of the Roman calendar the date of 31st October was settled on.
The traditional colours of Halloween, orange and black were first used in seasonal advertising at the turn of the century.
Before the introduction of the pumpkin from the United States large swedes, turnips and even mangelwurzels were used.
The carved lantern tradition comes from a tale about Stingy Jack - a hard-drinking, gambling, greedy and miserable old farmer who tricked the devil. In return, the devil cursed Jack to wandering the earth at night without a resting place and with only a candle placed in a hollowed out turnip to light his way.
As Hallowe’en coincides with the harvest, traditional fayre includes Bonfire toffee (also known as treacle toffee,) toffee apples, doughnuts, sweet corn, roast meat, popcorn, pumpkin pie and nuts.
In ancient times the date of Samhain changed, as the festival was dependant on the correct moon phase; after the introduction of the Roman calendar the date of October 31 was settled on.
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