CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS

Number of posts : 995 Registration date : 2008-11-16

Cleanse the circle with your besom{broom}

Cast the circle in your normal manner.....for those who don't know............First, ground and center yourself. Stand with both feet firmly on the ground, and relax your arms at the sides of your body. Simply feel and visualize the energy of the Earth below you, and the Sky above you. Face one of the directions, and physically reach down with your arm and gather the energy of the Earth into your hand. Reach up to the Sky and gather the energy of the Sky into your other hand. Now scoot down near the ground and face your palms outward, sending that energy into a smooth wall of colour that will spread itself into the shape of a circle. Rise up as you do this, shaping and smoothing the wall at this corner. Repeat this at the other three directions, constantly smoothing and shaping it with your hands. At each direction, the circle gets stronger and thicker; there are no gaps because the energy of the circle constantly swirls around evenly. See the energy as a thick, fluid stream of colour. It also flows under the ground, to even itself out as a complete sphere. You can shape it underground by visualizing it through the floor. Solidify it by visualizing the energy of the circle as sticking together, like hot glue or warm honey. When you feel the circle is 'set', all you have to do now is keep it in mind, and perhaps make minor re-adjustments if you feel it is necessary. Take as much time as you need, and don't rush. No-one's holding a stopwatch. Don't be afraid to move around spontaneously; no-one's marking you on grace or coolness. And most importantly, don't be afraid to screw up; that's an important way to learn.

Have everyone ground and center themselves, and bless and welcome all.

HPS: Once again we meet to turn the wheel. It is the festival of Samhain, the eighth and final spoke of the wheel. On this night, we perceive that the boundaries between the worlds are thin, less defined. The souls of either realm might look beyond the veil and glimpse the other side and perhaps pass through. Our Lord Sun has become the Lord of Shadows. The days grow shorter, the nights cooler. Divination is at it's peak of performance.

CRONE: The Cosmos tonight provides a mirror of your soul. Reflecting the cycles of your life that you create. On this night of darkness, look to the mystery of the season to release that which has been completed. Look at and acknowledge that which has come to an ending within your own life and bid it a final farewell, even though this may bring you pain, it must be done.

(invoking the watchtowers)

EAST (water)
Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, the powers of water. Crystal sea of welling souls, we call to thee from grassy knolls. Embrace the waters of life reborn, caressing us from night till dawn. So Mote It Be.

SOUTH (air)
Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, the powers of air. Whirling wind of dancing rites, waltz the leaves, grant them flight. Samhain calls, the winds of change, as tonight we celebrate the strange. So Mote It Be.

WEST (fire)
Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, the powers of fire. Cauldron of burning light, torch the fires, fill the night. Ignite the dark, warm all hearts across the land, while amidst the ancient stones we stand. So Mote It Be.

NORTH (earth)
Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North, the powers of earth. Guard ye well the dormant seed, wrap all that lives in restful sleep. Chant which beckons the Hunter's horn, Dark King and White Stag both reborn. So Mote It Be.

(Light the Perfect Love and Perfect Trust candles at this time.)
(Evoke the God and Goddess)

HPS: I now do call the Eternal God, and I call him in the ancient way, as Lord of the Day, who in this season has become the Lord of the Shadows. Send they Spirit forth! Through the darkness of this night, O Lord, return from the Summerland. Pierce our Sacred Sphere with thy vibrant presence. Flow through the body of this, thy servant and Priest, and through him touch the light of God within us all. Blessed Be.

HP: (evokes into the HPS and Crone)
I call the eternal Goddess, Mother, who brings forth and nurtures life, who is also Crone - she who cuts the cord, she of wisdom and mystery. Be with us now, my Mother, my Love, my Lady. Thy Priestesses await you. Fill them now, and through them touch the Goddess within us all. Blesses Be.

(Light the God and Goddess candles)
DARK LORD:
And as does the cycle of the Moon ever begin to wax and wane and to grow forth again, as do the seasons from one to the next flow in smooth rhythm...so will my children know their own patterm in both worlds. Repeat after me:
And ye shall say these words...
I will love and harm none
I will live, love, die, and live again
I will meet, remember, know and embrace love once more
For the free will of all
And with harm to none
As I do will, it is now done...So Mote It Be.
HPS: On this eve of Samhain we have come to honor those that have passed beyond the veil. The Moon must decline, darken, and die. Beyond life are the realms of shadow; the journeys unknown and the visions undreamed. For the soul seeks its own level, rests, and gains a time and a place to be reborn.

Charge your yellow candles and light them from the God and Goddess candles of the altar. You can bring them home and finish letting them burn, or you can place them in the West where the departed souls have left, and let them burn out there. Your candle is a symbol to your ancestor, or loved one, that you remember them and honor that memory.

(after this, the Crone goes to the North and prepares to be met.)

HPS: At this time of our New Year, we evaluate old habits, and old ways, and decide what to bring forth into our next year and what to leave behind. Spend a few moments in deep thought about what you need to leave behind. Since the Crone will be going down to the Underworld now, she will take with her whatever you give her to take. When you are ready, go and meet with the Crone, she is awaiting you. Bring with you those things which you need to banish from your life and leave them with her. She will transform what is negative into positive, which is the nature of magickal transformation.

When you approach the Crone, speak to her what you're giving to her, so that as you say it, so it must be.

(All approach the Crone one by one. Remind them if necessary to be silent on their return, or they can hum a chant or sing in a very low voice.)

Great Rite - done by the HPS and the Dark Lord (use whatever form you use)

(Now is a time for those who wish to, to do divinations. In our group we encourage this to be done only for ourselves, as we can divine for others at another time. Since this is Sacred Samhain Space, the divinations can be especially powerful.)

(Dismiss Watchtowers)

EAST (water)
Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, the powers of water. We thank you for joining our Samhain celebration tonight. As ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

SOUTH (air)
Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, the powers of air. We thank you for joining our Samhain celebration tonight. As ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

WEST (fire)
Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, the powers of fire. We thank you for joining our Samhain celebration tonight. As ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

NORTH (earth)
Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, the powers of earth. We thank you for joining our Samhain celebration tonight. As ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee Hail and Fareweell, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

Open the circle, Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again

CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS - Page 4 Candy_corn_dancing_lg_wht

The History of Candy Corn
Candy corn has a legacy that goes back over a hundred years. The Philadelphia-based Wunderlee Candy Company's George Renninger, invented this popular candy back in the 1880's. Wunderlee Candy Company was the first to manufacture candy corn as a result. Then, in 1900, the Goelitz Candy Company (which later became the Jelly Belly Candy Company) started making these candies and continues to make candy corn today.

Candy corn's introduction gained instant popularity among farmers due to it's appearance of an actual piece of corn. Additionally, the three color on a single candy was revolutionary in its day - the masses went bonkers for candy corn. However, since there manufacturing wasn't automated back then, candy corn was made seasonally between the months of March and November. Candy corn is the same now as it was way back then and is a Halloween favorite.

Today, nearly 8.3 billion candy corn kernels are sold every year - 80% of which are sold during the months of September and October!

Back in 1900, it took quite a few workers to make candy corn eight months out of the year.

The corn syrup, sugar, and other candy corn ingredients were cooked together in massive pots, producing a watery mixture . A thick, creamy sugar paste and marshmallow are mixed in to provide a smooth texture and kick. Then, the 45 pounds molten hot candy were transferred into smaller buckets referred to as runners. Workers called stringers then emptied the candy into cornstarch molds which gave the candy corn their kernel shape. Three passes were needed to layer the white, then orange, then yellow colors. Back then, candy corn was carried in wagons, packed in wooden crates and barrels.

Today, the process by which candy corn is made remains very similar. Nowadays, machines do the bulk of the work.

Candy makers use a process called corn starch molding. Corn starch is used to fill a tray, creating candy corn shaped indentations. Candy corns are built from the top to the bottom in three waves of color. First, the indentation is partially filled with white syrup. Next, when the white is partiall set, they add the the orange syrup. The creation is then finished up by adding the yellow syrup and then cooled. The candy starts fusing together while it cools. After cooling the candies, the trays are dumped out, the corn starch is sifted away, and the candy corn is ready to be sent out to a store near you.

Number of posts : 995 Registration date : 2008-11-16

Lady Koko wrote:

i love this,m'lady

WORLDS LARGEST PUMPKIN PIE

CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS - Page 4 Largestpumpkinpie

According to the Guinness World Book of Records, the world largest pumpkin pie was baked on October 8, 2005 and weighed in at 2,020 pounds (after baking). It measured 12 feet, 4 inches wide and 4 inches deep. The pie recipe included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 155 dozen eggs, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt, 7 pounds of cinnamon and 2 pounds of pumpkin pie spice. It was prepared and baked for over five hours in a custom made oven by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in New Bremen, Ohio. This giant pie made over 3000 pie made over 3000 pieces

Worlds largest pumpkin

CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS - Page 4 Worldslargestpumpkin

CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS - Page 4 Worldslargestpumpkin

The biggest pumpkin in the world tipped the scales at a whopping 1,810.5 pounds in Minnesota's Stillwater Harvest festival in October 2010. This beats the last giant pumpkin record of 1,725 pounds, weighed in October 2009 in the annual Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers weigh-off in Canton, Ohio.

Pumpkin Chuckin (Distance)

CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS - Page 4 Pumpkinchuker

CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS - Page 4 Pumpkinchuker

Two-time World Champion Pumpkin Chunkers, the Big 10 Inch Air Cannon Team (who are named after the Aerosmith song, right?) nabbed a Guinness World Record on Sunday in Moab, Utah -- where the air is thinner due to the elevation -- for shooting a pumpkin 4,623 feet in the air. The team bested the former record in "vegetable chunking" (4,491 feet) by 132 feet

The Big 10 Inch team's initial attempts failed to reach the record distance and they fretted over whether or not to use their "best" pumpkin. They opted to save their favorite orange orb to launch last. Shortly after 3 p.m. Mountain Time, with Big 10 Inch-er John Piel squeezing the trigger, the pumpkin was blasted into the air.

In the field, the spotting crew waited to sight the pumpkin's landing. Hurled at more than 700 mph, the team listened as the pumpkin whizzed over their car, parked 4,300 feet out from the launch and ducked for cover only to see the pumpkin passing over their heads. When surveyor Chris Ransier showed the team spotters the numbers on his GPS screen, shouts of joy erupted.

“We looked at Moab in part for the elevation, because we believed we could shoot farther in the thinner air," said team leader Ralph Eschborn II. “The biggest downside is that we used our best pumpkin for the Guinness record attempt so we won’t have it to use for the World Championships, but you can only chunk a pumpkin once.” Ain't it the truth?

Most Lit Pumpkins

CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS - Page 4 Mostlitpumpkins

CELEBRATION OF SPECIAL HOLIDAYS - Page 4 Mostlitpumpkins

Yes, the pumpkins must all be lit at the same time in the same place.

On October 26, 2007, Boston Ma. shattered this record with 30,128 lit pumpkins! Rumor has it, they are still "glowing" over this feat. The record was part of a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine, raising over $250,000.

As one of the world's oldest holidays, Halloween is still celebrated today in several countries around the globe, but it is in North America and Canada that it maintains its highest level of popularity. Every year, 65% of Americans decorate their homes and offices for Halloween...a percentage exceeded only by Christmas. Halloween is the holiday when the most candy is sold and is second only to Christmas in terms of total sales.

Austria

In Austria, some people leave bread, water, and a lighted lamp on the table when they go to bed.

The reason why it is done is that it was believed by doing so it would welcome the dead souls back to earth for this particular night was a night of strong cosmic energies.

In Austria Catholics celebrate the entire period between October 30 and November 8 as Seleenwoche or Alls Souls' Week.

On All Saints' Day Catholics attend church services in honor of the saints, the martyrs and those who have died for the Catholic faith.

People may also visit their family’s graves to beautify them with wreaths and small lanterns. Sometimes a mass is said at the gravesite and the grave sprinkled with holy water.

On November 2 or All Souls' Day, Catholics attend a special Requiem masses, where they remember those who may be close to them that have died. Prayers for the dead are said and votive candles are lit to honor their memory.

Belgium

The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross once's path and also ulucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives.
Canada

Modern Halloween celebrations in Canada began with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Jack O'Lanterns are carved and the festivities include parties, trick-or-treating and the decorating of homes with pumpkins and corn stalks.

China

In China, the Halloween festival is known as Teng Chieh. Food and water are placed in front of photographs of family members who have departed while bondires and lanterns are lit in order to light the paths of the spirits as they travel the earth on Haloween night.

Worshippers in Buddhist temples fashion "boats of the law" from paper, some of which are very large, which are then burned in the evening hours.

The purpose of this custom is twofold: as a remembrance of the dead and in order to free the spirits of the "pretas" in order that they might ascend to heaven.

"Pretas" are the spirits of those who died as a result of an accident or drowning and whose bodies were consequently never buried.

The presence of "pretas" among the living is thought by the Chinese to be dangerous.

Under the guidance of Buddhist temples, societies are formed to carry out ceremonies for the "pretas," which includes the lighting of lanterns.

Monks are invited to recite sacred verses and offerings of fruit are presented.

Czechoslovakia

In Czechoslovakia, chairs are placed by the fireside on Halloween night. There is one chair for each living family member and one for each family member's spririt.

England

At one time, English children made "punkies" out of large beetroots, upon which they carved a design of their choice.
Then, they would carry their "punkies" through the streets while singing the "Punkie Night Song" as they knocked on doors and asked for money.

In some rural areas, turnip lanterns were placed on gateposts to protect homes from the spirits who roamed on Halloween night. Another custom was to toss objects such as stones, vegetables and nuts into a bonfire to frighten away the spirits.

These symbolic sacrifices were also employed as fortune-telling tools.

If a pebble thrown into the flames at night was no longer visible in the morning, then it was believed that the person who tossed the pebble would not survive another year. If nuts tossed into the blaze by young lovers then exploded, it signified a quarrelsome marriage.

For the most part however, the English ceased celebrating Halloween with the spread of Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation. Since followers of the new religion did not believe in Saints, they saw no reason to celebrate the Eve of All Saints' Day.

However, in recent years, the American "trick or treating" custom, together with the donning of costumes for going door-to-door, has become a relatively popular pasttime among English children at Halloween, although many of the adults (particularly the older generations) have little idea as to why they are being asked for sweets and are usually ill-prepared to accommodate their small and hopeful callers.
France

Unlike most nations of the world, Halloween is not celebrated by the French in order to honor the dead and departed ancestors. It is regarded as an "American" holiday in France and was virtually unknown in the country until around 1996.

France
Unlike most nations of the world, Halloween is not celebrated by the French in order to honor the dead and departed ancestors. It is regarded as an "American" holiday in France and was virtually unknown in the country until around 1996.

Germany

In Germany, the people put away their knives on Halloween night.

The reason for this is because they do not want to risk harm befalling the returning spirits.
Hong Kong

The Halloween celebration in Hong Kong is known as "Yue Lan" (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts) and is a time when it is believed that spirits roam the world for twenty-four hours.

Some people burn pictures of fruit or money at this time, believing these images would reach the spirit world and bring comfort to the ghosts.

Ireland

In Ireland, believed to be the birthplace of Halloween, the tradition is still celebrated as much as it is in the United States. In rural areas, bonfires are lit as they were in the days of the Celts and children dress up in costumes to spend the evening "trick-or-treating" in their neighborhoods.

After the visiting, most people attend parties with neighbors and friends.
At these parties, many games are played, including "snap-apple," in which an apple on a string is tied to a doorframe or tree, and players attempt to take a bite out of the suspended apple.
In addition to bobbing for apples, parents often arrange treasure hunts with sweets or pastries as the "treasure."

The Irish also play a card game where cards are laid face-down on a table with sweets or coins beneath them.

When a child selects a card, he or she receives whatever prize might be found there.

A traditional food is eaten on Halloween called "barnbrack." This is a type of fruitcake which can be baked at home or store-bought.
A muslin-wrapped treat is baked inside the cake which, so it is said, can foretell the future of the one who finds it. If the prize is a ring, then that person will soon be wed and a piece of straw means a prosperous year is forthcoming.
Children are also known to play tricks upon their neighbors on Halloween night.
One of which is known as "knock-a-dolly," where children knock on the doors of their neighbors but then run away before the door is opened.

Japan

The Japanese celebrate the "Obon Festival" (also known as "Matsuri" or "Urabon") which is similar to Halloween festivities in that it is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors.

Special foods are prepared and bright red lanterns are hung everywhere.

Candles are lit and placed into lanterns which are then set afloat on rivers and seas. During the "Obon Festival," a fire is lit every night in order to show the ancestors where their families might be found.

"Obon" is one of the wo main occasions during the Japanese year when the dead are believed to return to their birthplaces.

Memorial stones are cleaned and community dances performed.

The "Obon Festival" takes place during July or August.

Korea

In Korea, the festival similar to Halloween is known as "Chusok."

It is at this time that families thank their ancestors for the fruits of their labor.

The family pays respect to these ancestors by visiting their tombs and making offerings of rice and fruits.

The "Chusok" festival takes place in the month of August.

Mexico, Latin America And Spain

Among Spanish-speaking nations, Halloween is known as "El Dia de los Muertos."

It is a joyous and happy holiday...a time to remember friends and family who have died.

Officially commemorated on November 2 (All Souls' Day), the three-day celebration actually begins on the evening of October 31.

Designed to honor the dead who are believed to return to their homes on Halloween, many families construct an altar in their home and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs, fresh water and samples of the deceased's favorite foods and drinks.

Frequently, a basin and towel are left out in order that the spirit can wash prior to indulging in the feast.

Candles are incense are burned to help the departed find his or her way home.

Relatives also tidy the gravesites of deceased family members, including snipping weeds, making repairs and painting.

The grave is then adorned with flowers, wreaths or paper streamers.

Often, a live person is placed inside a coffine which is then paraded through the streets while vendors toss fruit, flowers and candies into the casket.

On November 2, relatives gather at the gravesite to picnic and reminisce.

Some of these gatherings may even include tequila and a mariachi band although American Halloween customs are gradually taking over this celebration.

In Mexico during the Autumn, countless numbers of Monarch butterflies return to the shelter of Mexico's oyamel fir trees.

It was the belief of the Aztecs that these butterflies bore the spirits of dead ancestors.

Sweden

In Sweden, Halloween is known as "Alla Helgons Dag" and is celebrated from October 31 until November 6.

As with many other holidays, "Alla Helgons Dag" has an eve which is either celebrated or becomes a shortened working day.
The Friday prior to All Saint's Day is a short day for universities while school-age children are given a day of vacation.

Random Halloween Trivia

In the movie “Halloween” the mask worn by Michael Meyers is actually the mask of William Shatner painted white

Magician, Harry Houdini died on Halloween, 1926 in Detroit, MI.

The official Orange and Black colors of Halloween came from orange being associated with fall harvest and black symbolizing darkness and death.

There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with “orange”

Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday, beat out only by Christmas

The U.S. consumer spends upwards of $1.5 billion on Halloween costumes annually and more than $2.5 billion on other Halloween paraphernalia, such as decorations, crafts, etc. More than $100,000 of that is said to be spent online

Candy sales in the U.S. for Halloween average $2 billion annually

Halloween is the third biggest party day of the year behind New Year’s and Super Bowl Sunday, respectively

86% of Americans decorate their homes at Halloween

Halloween is the 8th largest card sending holiday. The first Halloween greeting is dated back to early 1900 and today consumers spend around $50 million dollars on Halloween cards each year.

Of the pumpkins marketed domestically, 99% of them are used as Jack-o-lanterns at Halloween

Approximately 82% of children and 67% of adults take part in Halloween festivities every year

Halloween, referred to as All Hallows Eve, was originally a pagan holiday in which they honored the dead. It was celebrated on October 31 since this was the last day of the Celtic calendar. The celebration dates back some 2,000 years.

The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts wondered the streets on all Hallows Eve so they began wearing masks and costumes in order to not be recognized as human.

The jack-o-lantern tradition comes from an old Irish folk tale about a man named Stingy Jack. It was said that he was unable to get into heaven and was turned away from the devil because of his tricky ways. So he set off to wander the world looking for a resting place. For light, Stingy Jack used a burning coal ember in a hollowed out turnip. When the Irish immigrated to the U.S. during the Great Potato Famine of 1845-1850, they found that turnips were not as readily available like they were in the homeland. So they started carving pumpkins as a replacement for their tradition.

On Halloween, Irish peasants would beg the rich for food. For those that refused, they would play a practical joke. So, in an effort to avoid being tricked, the rich would hand out cookies, candy, and fruit – a practice that morphed into trick-or-treating today.

Kids say they prefer homes that give: anything made with chocolate (68 percent) followed by lollipops (9 percent), gummy candy (7 percent) and bubble gum or chewing gum (7 percent). Parents favorite treats to sneak from their kids’ trick-or-treat bags are snack-size chocolate bars (70 percent sneak these), candy-coated chocolate pieces (40 percent), caramels (37 percent) and gum (26 percent).

Jack-o-lanterns were first designed by the natives of Ireland who used turnips instead of pumpkin with a candle inside it to keep ghosts away on the Samhain holiday.

The tradition of wearing mask on Halloween has been taken from the Welsh and Celtic civilizations that used to cover their faces with masks on the night of 31st October that was believed to be the night when spirits of dead visit the living ones and masks were worn to hide one's identity.

The custom of wearing masks during Halloween originates from the Ancient Celts. They would wear these masks in hopes that the ghosts they believe wandered around the countryside on Halloween night would not recognize them as humans.

Parkin cake, a sticky cake, is the traditional food for bonfire night, along with treacle toffees.

If your birthday falls on Halloween, you have been born blessed with the gift of communicating with those who have passed away, according to superstition

About 9,000 years ago, the pumpkin originated in Mexico. It is one of America’s oldest known vegetables. Pumpkins generally weigh from 15-to-30 pounds, although some weigh as much as 200 pounds. The weight of the world’s biggest pumpkin has been variously listed as 1,061 lb., 1140 lb., 1385 lb., and 1,502 lb., in Paletine, Illinois.

Many people think the pumpkin is a vegetable but in actuality it is a squash fruit related to cucumbers, gherkins, and melons. Pumpkins consist of 90% water and if you fill a pumpkin with milk and then bake it, you will have a pudding.

Mostly pumpkins are orange but they also come in dark green, light green, white, red, gray, blue, and orange-yellow color.

U.S. place names with a Halloween theme

Candy Town, Ohio

Cape Fear, North Carolina

Frankenstein, Missouri

Pumpkin Bend, Arkansas

Pumpkin Hollow, New York

Scary, West Virginia

Skull Creek, Nebraska

Spook City, Colorado

Tombstone, Arizona

Transylvania County, North Carolina

Witch Hazel, Oregon

Just to name a few