Will-O’-The-Wisps On Wintersnight

Perhaps it’s the similarity to the Shishi dogs, but I’ve always liked the idea of jack-o-lanterns around Halloween. There are a variety of folktales surrounding jack-o-lanterns (and Halloween in general), but my favorite is this:

Many, many, many years ago the Norse and the Celts (and many others I’m sure) recognized “All Hallows Eve” (Norse “Winternights”, Celtic “Samhain”) and the surrounding days as a time to remember and honor their ancestors, the fallen, and ready themselves for the winter season. Since the very existence of entire peoples at that time depended completely on the seasons it was common for festivals to revolve around them and the harvests they produced. “All Hallows Eve”, however, was the final harvest of the year. It marked the end of summer, beginning of winter, and thus represented the end of the season of life and beginning of a season of death. And it was believed that on “All Hallows Eve” the seasons collide and the barrier between life and death is so fragile, spirits could rise and walk among the living. Jack-o-lanterns were carved to scare away any wandering or harmful spirits, and the villagers brave enough to leave their homes donned frightening costumes and masks for protection.

If we were around a campfire, this would be the moment where I take the flashlight away from my face. It’s kind of strange to think of Halloween as we know it now and compare it to what it was all those years ago. I feel closer to history sometimes when I take a moment to ponder where these traditions came from. Do you have a different version to share? Or perhaps just a favorite Halloween folktale?

Oh, and I know I missed Caturday this weekend, but to make up for it you’re in for a treat tomorrow. I hope everyone who celebrates has a fun holiday. Stay safe and warm. These are the scary faces guarding our home from spooky spirits tonight.