Samhain and Halloween

As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, our next Peeranormal episode discussed Samhain and Halloween.

You can access the podcast here and many other places  podcasts are available (iTunes, Podbean, etc.)

For more on the history of Halloween, especially regarding how it came to be celebrated in America, check out this long and well-researched article. My own opinions are discussed int he episode and also here.

The episode was absolutely eye-opening for me. I learned a ton and gave me a lot to think about. It’s probably one of my favorite episodes so far.

Peeranormal Episode Info

The podcast explores the origins of “Samhain” (pronounced “sow-in,” with the “ow” like in “cow,” or “sow-een,” with “ow” as in “glow”):  an Irish Gaelic term for the time of “summer’s end,” as well as a festival to mark the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter which, in the Gaelic / Celtic calendar, marked the beginning of the year. Because the Celtic day began and ended at sunset, not sunrise, the festival was traditionally celebrated from October 31 to November 1.

Sanhaim is the ancient backdrop to Halloween, not only in terms of the calendar, but also in terms of basically all the modern elements of that holiday.

This episode investigates the history of Samhain and its curious links to the ancient biblical worldview of demons, giants, and the realm of the dead.

Articles for this episode:

In public domain, via archive.org, from Hastings’ Encyclopædia of Religion and Ethics (ed. James Hastings, John A. Selbie, and Louis H. Gray; Edinburgh; New York: T. & T. Clark; Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1908–1926):

“(Celtic) Cosmogony”

“Celtic Feasts and Festivals”

“Irish Deities”

Journal articles not in public domain:

Helen Sewell Johnson, “November Eve Beliefs and Customs in Irish Life and Literature,” The Journal of American Folklore 81:320 (Apr. – Jun., 1968), pp. 133-142

Jack Santino, “Halloween in America: Contemporary Customs and Performances,” Western Folklore 42:1 (Jan., 1983), pp. 1-20

Comments

  1. has there ever been known a connection from the ‘seer’ gift to the related supernatural, paranormal, or spiritual phenomena? Can having the gift of ‘seeing’ open a door to further supernatural, paranormal or spiritual phenomena and would that be considered in any way a ‘gift’? I know I can and have heard and sort of ‘seen’ into the spiritual realm. It isn’t the same as our natural vision but I remember it was definitely dark, moving matter and putrid odor but God protected me during the very brief time. My physical body collapsed but 100% unharmed during a teaching and worship time on or Wednesday service. We were worshiping and as I reached out to God I felt my body fall right next to the wooden cross onto the bench. I know the Holy Spirit laid me there and held me, stayed with me. thank you for your response. I can give more detail if you need or want to hear. There are some other times, as well, happy to talk about them!

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