Watch the embedded video.
In old Europe, the transition period between the warm growing season and cold winter
provided an opportunity to contemplate and honor the dead.
So many symbols and rhythms that survive to this day in our holidays, even in shallow and commercialized modern forms,
contain and reveal what’s deep in our bones and is begging for us to reconnect with.
Our ancestors lived in a way where death was never too far away.
The highest hope wasn’t necessarily for the longest and most comfortable life,
but an honorable life worthy of being remembered by our descendants,
providing inspiration and an example.
Further Reading/Viewing:
Sacred Calendar, Winter Nights
James Swagger Interviewed on Red Ice
PS I watched Survive the Jive’s video on the roots of Halloween after publishing mine.
Check it out for more in-depth history.