The Autumnal Equinox, known as Mabon in the Celtic wheel of the year, was considered the second harvest (after Lughnasa, the early harvest, on Aug. 1st). It was a time of feasting with an emphasis on grains, apples and grapes—and of course, wine.
The Christian Church celebrates Michaelmas at about that time (Sept. 29). In the British Isles, this Festival of Michael and All Angels also became a harvest festival—as the Church incorporated beloved traditions of the nature religions that preceded it. The weaving of corn dolls from the last sheaves of grain was a custom Michaelmas borrowed from Mabon.
October 4th is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi—best known for the lovely custom of the Blessing of the Animals.
Samhain or Halloween (Oct, 31 – Nov. 2) was the New Year of the ancient Celts and a three day celebration of the final harvest. In Ireland 2,000 years ago, Samhain was the dividing line between the light half of the year and the dark half. At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.
Family ancestors were honored and invited home, while harmful spirits were warded off. People wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves as evil spirits and thus avoid harm. Bonfires played a large part in the festivities and feasts were prepared for the living—and food for the ancestors (who were in no position it eat it) was ritually shared with the poor.
Christianity incorporated these traditions into the Christian calendar with All Saints on Nov, 1st, followed by All Souls on Nov. 2nd. The wearing of costumes and masks to ward off harmful spirits survived as Halloween customs. When great numbers of Irish immigrants came to America in the 1840’s, they brought their Halloween traditions to the U.S, where today it is one of the major holidays of the year.
Thanksgiving, of course, is the most American of harvest festivals and we all know the stories of Pilgrims, Native Americans and the giving of thanks.
