This is a time of year where there are many holidays that ask us to look back on those who have come before us, those who have passed from this world. For some, this can be a time of honoring family members. For many, this can also be a time where traumas and difficulties re-emerge.
Originally posted as a social media post, this conversation is important...and given some kind feedback I received, necessary, to further the conversation on generational trauma.
I want to honor the journey we all make with respect to those that have come before us. For many, there are difficult patterns, there is much to heal. I see this time of year as an opportunity for that reflection, that deep inner contemplation where we can take the next step to heal generations of difficulties.
The past does not go away, it does not disappear. It is within each of us. Groups, ethnicities have experiences displacement, war, discrimination and more, This history is within each of us and healing of these past ancestral traumas, I believe, is necessary for the world to transform into its full potential. That our individual healing helps break the patterns of generations before us.
Consider this an invitation to look at these holidays and time of year a bit differently. Perhaps an opportunity for self-reflection, how can each of us contributed to the healing of the world, how our own ancestral trauma may be holding us back from living fulfilled lives.
Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Samhain, Dia de los Meurtos, all these holidays fall in the same period of time each year, but all have different meanings, different cultures, different histories.
The other morning I did a bit of research about each one, in the spirit of respecting the culture of each, and find meaning I can take into my day. While no means exhaustive, here is a brief synopsis with a link to more information at the end. Samhain: Rooted in indigenous Celtic traditions of Ireland, Wales, Scotland and parts of England, Samhain celebrates the end of the harvest season, and beginning of long, dark winter months. All Saints Day and All Souls Day: stem from the believe there is a strong connection between those living and those who have passed. There are varying traditions between the Catholic and Protestant churches for these two holidays. Halloween emerged in the United States in the 1930's, as parent sought opportunities to provide children with organized activities in the difficult days of the depression Día de los Muertos: Aztec, Mayan, and Toltec cultures are the primary source, but a variety of other cultures had and have celebrations as well. This is a holiday to celebrate the dead. There are many interesting traditions and symbolisms around this holiday. However you view this time of year, it is an opportunity to recognize all that have come before us, how we are the product of our ancestors, and the opportunities that brings to our lives for healing. . Thank you to Joe Hahn and his article on Linked In that is an excellent synopsis. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-fall-holidays-samhain-halloween-all-saints-day-joe-hahn?trk=public_profile_article_view