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They were both respected and feared, with individuals often invoking the protection of [[Yahweh|God]] when approaching their dwellings. At Samhain, the ''Aos Sí'' were appeased to ensure the people and livestock survived the winter. Offerings of food and drink, or portions of the crops, were left outside for them. The souls of the dead were also said to revisit their homes seeking hospitality. Places were set at the dinner table and by the fire to welcome them. The belief that the souls of the dead return home on one night of the year and must be appeased seems to have ancient origins and is found in many cultures. In 19th century Ireland, "candles would be lit and prayers formally offered for the souls of the dead. After this the eating, drinking, and games would begin." | They were both respected and feared, with individuals often invoking the protection of [[Yahweh|God]] when approaching their dwellings. At Samhain, the ''Aos Sí'' were appeased to ensure the people and livestock survived the winter. Offerings of food and drink, or portions of the crops, were left outside for them. The souls of the dead were also said to revisit their homes seeking hospitality. Places were set at the dinner table and by the fire to welcome them. The belief that the souls of the dead return home on one night of the year and must be appeased seems to have ancient origins and is found in many cultures. In 19th century Ireland, "candles would be lit and prayers formally offered for the souls of the dead. After this the eating, drinking, and games would begin." | ||
Throughout Ireland and Britain, especially in the Celtic-speaking regions, the household festivities included [[divination]] rituals and games intended to foretell one's future, especially regarding death and marriage. Apples and nuts were often used, and customs included apple bobbing, nut roasting, [[scrying]] or mirror-gazing, pouring molten lead or egg whites into water, dream interpretation, and others. Special bonfires were lit and there were rituals involving them. Their flames, smoke, and ashes were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers. | Throughout Ireland and Britain, especially in the Celtic-speaking regions, the household festivities included [[divination]] rituals and games intended to foretell one's future, especially regarding death and marriage. Apples and nuts were often used, and customs included apple bobbing, nut roasting, [[scrying]] or mirror-gazing, pouring molten lead or egg whites into water, [[Oneiromancy|dream interpretation]], and others. Special bonfires were lit and there were rituals involving them. Their flames, smoke, and ashes were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers. | ||
In some places, torches lit from the bonfire were carried sunwise around homes and fields to protect them. It is suggested the fires were a kind of imitative or sympathetic [[ritual magic|magic]] – they mimicked the [[Sun]] and held back the decay and darkness of winter. They were also used for divination and to ward off evil spirits. In Scotland, these bonfires and divination games were banned by the church elders in some parishes. In Wales, bonfires were also lit to "prevent the souls of the dead from falling to earth." Later, these bonfires "kept away [[the Devil]]." | In some places, torches lit from the bonfire were carried sunwise around homes and fields to protect them. It is suggested the fires were a kind of imitative or sympathetic [[ritual magic|magic]] – they mimicked the [[Sun]] and held back the decay and darkness of winter. They were also used for [[divination]] through [[pyromancy]] and to ward off evil spirits. In Scotland, these bonfires and divination games were banned by the church elders in some parishes. In Wales, bonfires were also lit to "prevent the souls of the dead from falling to earth." Later, these bonfires "kept away [[the Devil]]." | ||
==Symbols== | ==Symbols== | ||