Henry's Holidays: A Holy Allhallowtide Quiz

Answer: Samhain

To the ancient Celts, Samhain was a time of transition from summer to winter; it was a time to celebrate the harvest and prepare food for storage during the winter, which was considered to be the "darker half". They believed that during this time, the portals to the other world were opened, allowing the passage of dead souls, as well as fairies and elves, who became more active. While it may be true that Allhallowtide is descended from ancient Celtic traditions, My Lady assured us that it is a Christian tradition that was first approved by Pope Gregory IV. It evolved from the early "Feast of All Holy Martyrs", that was held in the spring, and moved to fall because, since it was harvest time, there would be more food available for pilgrims coming to Rome to worship. Of course, some say that the feast was moved to correspond with the pagan festival so that the beliefs could be easily merged.

Authors Note: Historians are still debating the exact nature of the ancient Samhain event, as precise knowledge of Celtic religious rituals has not survived. It is known that the festival was held annually and animals were gathered in preparation for winter, however there is no evidence that it was also connected to honoring the dead. In reality, it was probably easier for the Christian church to win converts if an attempt was made to assimilate the old beliefs rather than abolish them.

Answer: Turnip

During this time of the year, the ancient Celts believed the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead disappeared, and spirits of the dead could visit earth. We carve these lanterns, placing them on windowsills and carrying them with us, to help ward off any spirit that wishes to bring us harm, as well as to light our path. Some people believe they represent the spirits themselves, and help to guide them to their earthly homes. We also use mangelwurzels for lanterns.

Author's Note: Pumpkins became popular lanterns in North America because they are softer and easier to carve. Medieval Europeans, however, would not have known about this vegetable.

Answer: Soul Cakes

Soul cakes are small, round cakes that are decorated with the mark of the cross. On All Hallow's Eve (remember many religious celebrations begin at sunset the night before) they are placed out as offerings for the dead, and for the next two days, the cakes, also called, "souls", are given to the poor and children, who go door to door begging for food. In exchange for the food, prayers are said for the dead souls in Purgatory, as well as for the family who provided the food.

Author's Note: Many believe this practice to be the origin of the modern trick or treating.

Answer: Pouring egg whites into hot water

In all honesty, everyone looks forward to the fortune telling activities during Allhallowtide, and several methods are used. Young girls are told that if they look at their reflection at midnight, they will also see the image of the man they are to marry. Sometimes, however, a skull will appear which represents that the death of the girl will take place before marriage. Pouring egg whites or molten lead into water produces shapes that are then "interpreted" to tell one's future.

Answer: Apples

The use of apples during Allhallowtide was, in all probability, incorporated into the Christian celebration from the Roman festival to honor Pomona. In fact, it is believed that the Romans introduced the apple tree sometime after their invasion of England!

The goddess of abundance, Pomona, protected gardens and orchards. She was not associated with the harvest, however, it was believed that she safeguarded the fruit and cultivation of the soil. One of our favorite activities during the season is to bob for apples that are either hanging from a string or placed in a tub of water; the first person to take a bite of the apple is the next allowed to marry. Special attention is also paid to the apple peeling - it is said that when an apple is skinned, the peeling will somehow show the initial of the man a girl is to marry!

Answer: So the spirits will not recognize us

We believe that the souls of Christians wander the earth during Allhallowtide and at this time, they have an opportunity to create grief or mischief for the living if they choose to do so. Wearing a costume ensures that if we are a target for such action, the spirits will not recognize who we are. We really don't spend much time making a costume; it is generally some sort of a mask that is used to cover our face.

Answer: All Saints Day

My Lady reminded us that we celebrate many days to honor saints, however, the purpose of All Saints Day is to insure that all of those martyrs who died in the name of Christ are venerated. Throughout the centuries so many died that it would be impossible to set aside a day to worship all of them (as had been the practice); in the 7th century Pope Boniface IV ordered an annual celebration to remember all the saints, and the Pantheon in Rome was rededicated in their honor.

Answer: False

The ancient Celts had no concept of the devil; they lit bonfires to honor and thank the sun god and recognize his growing powers in hopes that he would return in the spring. Only certain types of wood are burned, but other flammable items are burned to symbolically burn harmful influences. People lay near the fire and run through the smoke, using it as a cleansing ritual, The ashes from the fire are used by some to darken their faces and mask their identity.

Many people also extinguish the fire in their home, and relight it with a flame from the bonfire, or light a torch from the fire, carrying it around their homes and fields.

Answer: Milk

Going back to the ancient Celts, November is the "blood month", where animals were butchered and the meat was preserved for the winter. We do not, however, pour blood on the graves. We use milk, or perhaps holy water. It is believed that this will help to appease the spirits who walk the earth so they will not commit any evil action against us.

Some people also set a place at their table for these spirits or leave food on their doorstep, as it is believed the spirits will visit their earthly home.

Answer: Praying for dead Christians

Beginning in the 11th century as a day for monks to pray for the souls in Purgatory, today we all spend our time thinking about not only recently departed loved ones, but also those whose souls may still be in Purgatory. Ringing bells remind us to pray, but are also believed to comfort those in Purgatory who are awaiting further cleansing. Soul cakes are exchanged for prayers. Lit candles, called "soul lights" illuminate the otherwise gloomy surroundings in Purgatory.