After eating chocolate you feel godlike, as
though you can conquer enemies, lead armies, entice lovers. ~Emily Luchetti

Samhain (Scots Gaelic: Samhuinn) literally means “summer's end.” In Scotland and Ireland, Halloween is known as Oíche Shamhna, while in Wales it is Nos Calan Gaeaf, the eve of the winter's calend, or first.

With the rise of Christianity, Samhain was changed to Hallowmas, or All Saints' Day, to commemorate the souls of the blessed dead who had been canonized that year, so the night before became popularly known as Halloween, All Hallows Eve, or Hollantide. November 2nd became All Souls Day, when prayers were to be offered to the souls of all who the departed and those who were waiting in Purgatory for entry into Heaven. Throughout the centuries, pagan and Christian beliefs intertwine in a gallimaufry of celebrations from Oct 31st through November 5th, all of which appear both to challenge the ascendancy of the dark and to revel in its mystery.

In the country year, Samhain marked the first day of winter, when the herders led the cattle and sheep down from their summer hillside pastures to the shelter of stable and byre. All the harvest must be gathered in -- barley, oats, wheat, turnips, and apples -- for come November, the faeries would blast every growing plant with their breath, blighting any nuts and berries remaining on the hedgerows. It was a joyous time of family reunion, when all members of the household worked together baking, salting meat, and making preserves for the winter feasts to come. http://www.celticspirit.org/samhain.htm

Family, Traditions & Treats! Traditions are rich in family ties. Many times we create them without even realizing it. Other times we choose traditions to begin on our own and let them evolve as our families and friendships grow. In our family, we always cook up a batch of hearty chili and cornbread on Halloween night! Amongst the flurry of dressing up, arranging the goodie bags and sometimes homework, we share the treats from our day, read our favorite book and call those we love that are far away.

So, eat good wholesome foods and enjoy your family and friends! If you don't sugar up, you will feel so much better the next day. Just enjoy a bite of temptation, it is not about deprivation. You can also substitute the wicked white sugar beast with more natural treats. Whether homemade or from your local market, check out your options. Enjoy! ~j