Posted by Allan Ramsay on Oct 29, 2015
The Origins of Hallowe’en
Today’s meeting featured Rev. Peter Wall from the Anglican diocese speaking on Halloween, its origins as a religious event leading up to All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Our guests were David Wood (former member), Augostina from Argentina, Myles Ross (Burlington North), Ron Smith and Peter Wall (Guest Speaker).
Bryce led off with several thank yous to members for their hard work of late including: Catherine (or is it Cathy), Andrew and Ron for distributing Polio Plus flyers at the GO station, the Appleby Line clean crew led by Gerry. Catherine read a heartfelt thank you note from Cam Rothwell’s daughter Carol.
Bryce unveiled the details of a new food drive project with the Partnership West Food Bank. The project involves the donation of Longos and Fortinos Food Points Card to the Partnership West Food Bank for their redemption. It’s an easy way to donate $30-40 to the Food Bank. Members who do not shop at Longos or Fortinos can a purchase food cards and then donate it. See Rod Collard for more details.
Myles Ross of Burlington North told us about the 4 Club Remembrance Day meeting planned for Thursday, November 12th at the Naval Vets Hall. Doors open at 5:30 PM and dinner is at 6:30 PM. The speaker will be talking about how the sinking of the SS Athenia in September 1939 influenced Canada’s participation in the WWII. Cost is $30. See Peter Skoretz for ticket information. NOTE: Our regular morning meeting is cancelled that day.
Augostina, with her improving English language skills, talked about her past week which included a Rotary Youth Weekend get together in Bolton. Over the weekend the students were introduced to a haunted house and pumpkin carving. Later in the week she helped with the outbound exchange student recruitment and selection.
Our Assist (to the Assist) Sergeant at Arm (Ron Lambert) used his temporary soap box to promote the Poinsettia fundraising program as an easy way to generate significant cash for our charitable budget. Andrew used his $5 Rotary Rant donation to tell about the World Cup of Rugby Finals this weekend (Editor’s Note: won by New Zealand, the non-cheating team). In the course of few short moments and several rebuttals from other members the majority of the nations making up the UN were offended or ridiculed. Happy dollars from Dianne, Rene, Mike, Peter T., Glenn, Ron and David R.
Rev. Peter Wall told us that Halloween is much more than just costumes and candy. He speak about the Christian and Pagan origins of Halloween. Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve, can be traced back about 2,000 years to a pre-Christian Celtic festival held around Nov. 1 called Samhain which means "summer's end" in Gaelic. Samhain was the biggest and most significant holiday of the Celtic year. The Celts believed that at the time of Samhain, more so than any other time of the year, the ghosts of the dead were able to mingle with the living, because at Samhain the souls of those who had died during the year traveled into the otherworld.
Over the years and centuries the traditions of All Hallows’ Eve were influenced by many Christian events and customs. For example, in the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs. The holiday known as All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating.
