[img width= height= alt=GHOSTLANDIA! Paranormal Free Directory" border="0]http://www.ghostlandia.com/button.php?u=don[/img]We have just celebrated Halloween and now we are moving on to celebrate Christmas!
During this time of year is when the veil between our world and the afterlife is thinnest. This means we are more likely to be sensitive to the passing ghost and the spirits who visit us during this season. It begins around late October and lasts through February.
The veil is like an invisible wall between the worlds that separate us. There are probably several scientific theories as to why the veil is thinnest during the winter months, but some claim there seems to be more activity at haunted sites than any other time of the year in general.
The Celts celebrated the presence of the dead during this time with open arms. November 1st for the Celts was their New Year. On the Eve of November 1st, also known as Hallows Eve and Samhain, bonfires would be erected to welcome the wandering souls to stop by and warm themselves and also to light the way for them as they go to the other side. Candles would be lit and placed in windows for the same purpose.
Later, Christians adopted similar traditions by using the candlelight to ward off evil spirits as they slip through the thinning veil to wander into the world of the living. From this we get the traditions of jack-o-lanterns and dressing up to look like the evil creatures while walking through the villages as a means of protection. Those who stayed inside during this time would place candles in the windows to ward off the evil spirits.
Now we are approaching Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Lord! To the Celts it was known as the Winter Solstice on December 21st, as well as Yule which means wheel. At this point we celebrate the darkest time of the year with food and merriment. They would light fires and candles to welcome the Sun's return and hurry winter's end. Yule for the Celts was a reminder that after death is rebirth. Christians moved the holiday to the 25th to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
After Christmas comes New Years! Celebrating the beginning of a new year after the old one ends. This we do every year at the same time...celebrating the cycles of each and every season just as the wheel turns.
For more information on Celtic traditions in relation to Christian holidays...check out this link: http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/holidays.htm
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