Cosmic Directions.
Samhain and Day of the Dead.


Samhain is the Celtic tradition that gave rise to Halloween, though it originally was a day to remember those who have passed from this world. Some remnants of the original Samhain remain, like when children go house to house in costume asking for treats. They represent the souls of the departed visiting the living, who offer them gifts, much like the offerings made on Day of the Dead. As for Day of the Dead, it is a tradition that came to the Americas long ago when some Celtic and Viking ships managed to cross the ocean and brought Samhain with them. Later, when Queen Chimalma, leader of the Vikings, married King Mixcoatl, the two tribes (the Vikings and another of Mayan origin) united to found the great Teotihuacan, where the tradition began formally. Other Mesoamerican groups later adopted it until the Spanish arrived, blending it with Catholicism to create what we now know as Day of the Dead. Today, the celebration often lasts several days, starting with Halloween, when children go out for treats, costume parties are held, and friends gather to tell scary stories. It continues with November 1st, when we remember children who passed away, making a tiered offering with their favorite foods. November 2nd is dedicated to remembering adults, and in recent years, November 3rd has been added to honor our deceased pets.