Origins of Halloween

Halloween History & Origin

Halloween is the one of the oldest holidays still celebrated today. It's one of the most popular holidays, second only to Christmas. While millions of people celebrate Halloween without knowing its origins and myths, the history and facts of Halloween make the holiday more fascinating.

Some people view Halloween as a time for fun, putting on costumes, trick-or-treating, and having theme parties. Others view it as a time of superstitions, ghosts, goblins and evil spirits that should be avoided at all costs.

As the Christian debate goes on, celebrating Halloween is a preference that is not always viewed as participating in an evil holiday. Halloween is often celebrated with no reference to pagan rituals or the occult.

Halloween History

Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.

All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day, which was created by Christians to convert pagans, and is celebrated on November 1st. The Catholic church honored saints on this designated day.

Origin of Halloween

While there are many versions of the origins and old customs of Halloween, some remain consistent by all accounts. Different cultures view Halloween somewhat differently but traditional Halloween practices remain the same.

Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Roots lay in the feast of Samhain, which was annually on October 31st to honor the dead.

Samhain signifies "summers end" or November. Samhain was a harvest festival with huge sacred bonfires, marking the end of the Celtic year and beginning of a new one. Many of the practices involved in this celebration were fed on superstition.

 

The Celts believed the souls of the dead roamed the streets and villages at night. Since not all spirits were thought to be friendly, gifts and treats were left out to pacify the evil and ensure next years crops would be plentiful. This custom evolved into trick-or-treating.

 

So, remember as you enjoy your Halloween frivolities with family and friends, you are tapping into traditions that are older than Christianity, from a wilder, colder, darker time in human history. 

Cycle II: Inauguration of the Worm

It was a dreamy cold night. I stood hand in hand with her facing down a long road with houses and yards completely immersed in bright white snow which slowly faded into the black backdrop of the night sky as one peered further and further into the distance. The snow had been falling for quite a long time now. Tiny miniscule pulses were dotted over my exposed skin. Wrapped in warm clothes i stuck out my tongue like a hungry child. A tiny snowflake made me growl. She squeezed my hand tighter and thrust her head back and laughed hysterically. I pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head.

We were running through the night. Well more half running half trudging through the thick layers of snow that had accumulated. We ducked under the unusually luminous post lights into a random front yard. We scurried around the perimeter like rats. Like a hand beckoning my nose forward, i picked up on the smell of pizza. The windows in the house were tinted yellow and we could make out humanoid shadows moving around. I let out a tiny yelp of pain as she had stepped on my weak shoulder as i pushed her over the windowsill. Seconds later she tumbled out, pizzaboxes in hand.

We ran through the snow and dark till we arrived under the comfortable shadow of a large tree covered in white stripes of snow. While we were shoveling the food hungrily into our mouths, something small, squishy and alive began to fall from the branches. Worms fell into the snow around us and quickly burrowed out of sight. Sitting next to me, she quickly grabbed one worm and said, "Look!" She shook her clasped hands and opened them and there was a purple cocoon that pulsated in and out like a beating lightbulb-esque heart.

She opened her slender hands once again and there was a butterfly flapping its fabulous bloody red wings and slowly levitated higher and higher spiraling around till it disappeared into the dark shadows of the tree. I stared up at the very point where the butterfly had left us and did not notice her get up and begin walking away in the snowstorm. I snapped my head back having heard the faint uttering,

"When you want it
It goes away too fast
Times you hated  
It always seems to last
But just remember when you think you're free
The crack inside you fucking heart is me."

A crow with ruby red eyes flew effortlessly high above in the night sky. It looked down at the earth as it flew by and noticed two sets of tracks leading in opposite directions in the snow from the tree where it nested. The branches began to sway back and forth violently as the storm picked up. The crow let out a mangled cry as it was swept up in the roaring snowstorm, blinded by white and lost in the swirling mist.

---

 

---

The dimly lit floor reflected my murky face and body as i stared down at the tiles. Lights were flickering in and out overhead. I looked over the edge expecting the abyss but instead saw the metallic shine of a familiar sight of a trainline. Looking left and right i could see two tunnels that looked like two deep and cavernous mouths of monsters. I sniffed and raised my hand to scratch at the surface of my nose and was surprised to see that i was holding a blood soaked bag.

Immediately i tensed up and looked around me as cold sweat flooded my nerves with adrenaline and fear. Slowly i placed my hand within the recesses of the bag. I could hear the swish of mid dried bloody mush and felt a slimy pool of half clotted blood covering an object which seemed to be metallic and covered in strange designs that i could feel as i ran my hand along its surface. Slowly i pulled out the object as the thickened blood seemed to latch on desperately not wanting to let go. I pulled out, to my astonishment a pair of butterfly costume wings.

I stared bewildered at it then suddenly my hair began to whip ferociously in my face to the left, as for some reason, a single solitary train carriage pulled in bringing with it a loud screech and a rush of airflow. Ominously the carriage squealed to a halt, its metallic structure illuminated by the still flickering lights of the station. With a low vibrating hiss, the only door to the carriage slide open.

I was greeted with a truly horrifying scene of utter carnage. The prepubescent bodies of several young boys and girls lay strewn around on the floor of the carriage and some were still in a sitting position. Blood splatter was strewn in massive leaps across the insides of the carriage, some on the roof and walls. There was quite a significant amount of blood in pools around each child of which there were about 2 boys and 3 girls. I slowly walked around not sure why but i was observing and trying to look for something amongst the area. I was quite aware of the stench, the children did not seem to be rotting but the smell was quite overpowering, like a dumpster of decomposing food smacking you in the face when you open it. I could feel the slippery surface of the blood and the sticky polp sounds my shoes made whenever i stepped.

I felt a sudden tug on my leg and a pale girl, whose whitened face was contrasted with the blood blubbering out of the corners of her mouth. Gripping my foot as tight as she could, i lean't down to hear her say, "She slit... out throats... like we were.... flowers....". I leant down to hold the convulsing girl and watched as she blubbered bubbles of blood from the corner of her mouth and the spark that indicated life in her sunken eyes slowly faded and glazed over like ice. 

I leaned down and licked the blood from her cheeks. Lapped it up like a dog while stroking her hair and neck. I wondered why i even had a conscience when all it did was fuck with me. I got up and kicked the other bodies out of my way. I kicked the corpses of the males out of the carriage and with some effort forced the metal doors shut. As i walked backwards the lights outside failed to flicker and the entire station was thrown into darkness. Only the light flickering inside the carriage was still on, giving off brilliant flashes of light that illuminated the blood splatter around me. 

I growled and felt my pulse racing higher. My tongue darted in and out of the corner of my lips and i tasted the sweat that was slowly rising on my body and slipping down my forehead. I could see the flesh and it smelt fresh and it was there for there taking. I could feel the heat radiating from my skin. I snorted with hormonal rage. As i licked my teeth hungrily, the train began to shake and stir like a beast awakening from slumber. With several creaks and pops the train began to head towards the dark tunnel ahead and the light flickered out pathetically.

As i stood over the lifeless corpses at my feet, the blackness of the tunnel threw the entire carriage into complete darkness. I stood there taking in the smell of rotting flesh and feeling the cold corpses of muted angels around me. Suddenly i felt them crawling up my body. Amidst the pure black abyss, i could hear the beating of the metallic wings and I felt all over me the hands of small children.

A faint yet familiar whisper spoke through the air,

"Lie to me, cry to me, give to me
I would
Lie with me, die with me, give to me
I would
Keep all your secrets wrapped in dead hair
I hope at least we die holding hands for always."

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You know when you get the sense that you have so much you want to say, just not sure how to articulate or put it into words? Part III is still being formed in my head, who knows i may write it up one day or leave it hidden within my psyche.

First Ever Dumpster Diving Haul

Just a short intermission between my failure of a dream trilogy recount.

Went on my first ever dumpster diving trip with some buddies i met over the internet a dude called Jason Zoidberg (fake last name probs) who is in a hardcore punk crust??? band really digging his tunes but no idea what the lyrics are (growling LOL) and his girlfriend Cheresa who likes to think she owns an arts studio where t-shirt designs are printed onto them. Both have the coolest piercings, didnt ask or look for tattoos.

Drove around Ashfield and nearby surburbs in a half beat manual car which stalled frequently and was kinda risky but meh. Went to the first bin and opened in full of expectation. All i got was a smack in the face of disgusting odour and i felt like throwing up on the way to the 2nd bin but eventually i adjusted to it. At the last bin, we hit glory and piled stuff into boxes.

Just as we started sifting we realized someone was backing a massive ass aldi truck into the back. We grabbed our shit and legged it to the car. I'm ever grateful to this couple for showing me around and giving me tips. Feels good putting myself out there to try and save a bit of money, combat food wastage and hanging around people that arent so fucking asian. Sick of the asian community and its honour and dignity systems.

I eat food from a dumpster what shitcunts. Think that makes you better than me? It tastes fine, my immune system lifts way more than yours and I'm saving money.

Meh

 

 1 x Donuts pack of 4

1 x Yoghurt pack  of 4

4 x Egg cartons (with Maximum 1 egg broken in each)

2 x Banana Breads

1 x pack of Tomatoes

2 x Potatoes

1 x Onion

2 x Avocado

1 x Mandarins pack of 7

2 x Orange Juice Bottles

1 x Orange Juice

Come At Me Social Expectations and Norms

Oh and + 1 x Jar

Not Full Of Dirt

Cycle I: The Heirophant

She clasped my hand tightly in hers. As we ran through the grassy path, our legs became stained with green . The heavens were open and droplets were hurrying down, anxious to whisper their story. I felt a pull on my arm as i walked. I turned and she gestured instead at a pergola towards the end of the park. The animals in their cages and exhibitions were already settling down and huddling close to each other for warmth.

The rain was starting to pour down heavily. Most of the zoos visitors had already left. Only the sound of our feet and the occasional animal growl broke the pitter patter of the rain. The pergola was tucked away in a corner behind a beautiful display of exotic flowers and tall burly trees. Essentially we were hidden from the public view.

Sometime passed before i realized my head was in her lap. She was so warm. I twitched my head to look up at her face. It was her dazzling angelic face, shining down on me, contrasting so much with the dim atmosphere of the pergola, the sky having darkened during the excess rainfall. I ran my hand up her neck intending to stroke her face but stopped when i felt the chain around her neck. I squinted up at the dangling piece. It was a pendant of a butterfly, with wings boldy coloured red. 

A loud crashing crack pierced the air. Like the sound of an axe smashing into the ground, the bolt struck the tree overbearing the pergola. A low creeping sound began to build up. The tree began to sway left to right, tis individual branches twitching in all directions. I yelped in fright and lept up from her bosom. She remained rooted to the ground. unmoving.

I watched as all around me a ringing sound rang through the park, animals were roaring and screaming and rattling their cages. All the shrubbery was uprooted and spinning around us. The trees branches coiled through the air like hissing snakes mixed with the ever increasing blur of brown and green. Essentially we were in the eye of the storm.

Lets get out of here i panicked. But she was still sitting firmly on the ground, only now she was staring up at me with her arms outstretched. I bent down, only to find that her arms were covered in fresh wounds and scars. Frightened i dropped her hands and stepped back in shock. Struggling to her feet, she suddenly ran towards me and threw herself in my arms. Admist the powerful roar of the storm i could hear her words

"Despite how much i love, you've only ever been a rebel from the waist down. Can you not see my agony? I'm not trying to be reborn, I'm trying to transform ... Man cannot always reap what he sows."

She planted her lips on mine and for an eternal moment i was lost. There was no spiraling wind, no flailing branches, no screaming animals, no ground beneath our feet. I could hear nothing. I could see nothing save for her warm body smothering mine, both our chests pulsating, the air around us electrified and hot.

Suddenly reality grabbed me by the neck and pulled me backwards. My love stood before me, eyes shimmering with tears, face still illuminating in the shadowy pergola and arms still shredded with bloody red lines running up and down. She heaved a sobbing sigh and took a step back. Instinctively i stepped forward, hands outstretched to grab hers.

I pulled her closely, utterly lost for words unable to think of anyway to comfort her. I felt like i had known her for a lifetime, yet i had nothing to say, i knew nothing of her suffering. As i stroked her hair i could just hear her whisper.

"This...is...my...most...vulnerable...moment"

Thats when i saw it. In the spiraling whirlwind of dark green rain, there emerged a bright red butterfly. Everything in my vision was drowned up save the head of the woman i loved and the butterfly. I watched it circle above us counterclockwise to the hurricane in which we stood, watching .... waiting. Eventually it landed on her head, wings still flapping.

She squeezed me tighter in her embrace before reaching up to pull my head down so she could whisper in my ear, 

"When all of your wishes are granted, many of your dreams will be destroyed."

And with that, an almighty crashing sound rang in my ears, i fell backwards, blinded by a sudden flash of white that enveloped my eyes. Pain shot up my spine from where i landed backwards on the ground. Slowly i could make out a hazy image. And there she was, standing in front me in the white. There was no sound, no beginning or end. She began to disintegrate from head to toe, into a cloud of flapping red creatures. They flew round and round me till they worked their way up to the sky, soon at a point so far off i could barely see them.

There was a tiny "clink" sound as i felt something heavy strike my head. I was covered in bits of hair, blood, skin, leaves and earth. I reached up to pull down whatever had struck me. It was the necklace she had worn. I fingered the bloody red butterfly, feeling its texture and delicately constructed wings. With that i stood up and began to drag my heavy legs and walk on. All around me, it was white. I did not know which was left or right, whether i was up or down.

Just lost in another reality, dimension, a higher plane or lower plane i knew not. Bewildered i went on and on for days , weeks, months, years on. I never stopped walking, i knew not where i was going, whether i was actually getting anywhere or not or what had happened. All i knew was that i had to follow to where she had flown off to.

Whether i would find her again, i had not the slightest clue. 

After an eon, i fell to my knees and everything went dim. Darkness covered my eyes with a heaviness that i could not bear. I gave in to the darkness and breathed no more. Before i let go i thought


Where was the pergola? Where was the rain? Where were the animals siting in their cages? What happened to her? Why did she leave? What happened to all those days spent together? Making love? Reading together? Watching the sun rise and set together? Listening to music? Touching her body? Her face? Was any of that real? Was she even real? Am I... am I even sure I am real?... A dream?.. a fading memory?....

“A scattered dream that's like a far-off memory... a far-off memory that's like a scattered dream... i want to line the pieces up... yours and mine.” 

 

 

Symbolism of the Ethereal Butterfly

Butterflies develop through metamorphosis, a Greek word that means transformation or change in shape.  Thus in many cultures the shape changing butterfly is a symbol of transformation,  transition, and resurrection associated with the soul mind or ego.

In Greek myth, Psyche (which literally translates to mean “soul”) is represented in the form of a butterfly. Befittingly, Psyche is forever linked with love as she and Eros (the Greek god of love, also known in Roman myth as Cupid) shared an endlessly passionate bond together – both hopelessly in love with the other. 

 
From egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to egg laying the butterfly completes a remarkable transformation of forms in just a few weeks time. Throughout that short lifespan ants, birds, lizards, parasitic flies and parasitic wasps, praying mantis, rats, toads, snakes and wasps have this species on their menu.

While in the larval stage a caterpillar with many eyes and legs will shed its skin many times as it grows. Following each shedding the caterpillar can become a different colour or present a significant change in appearance from they way they looked before.

In embracing the symbol of the butterfly we are also holding to the essence of our vision to transform this world back into the sacred; regenerating joy, beauty and peace, beginning within our homes, rippling outward with each wave of our wings initiating a new cycle where freedom rings loudly through concerted efforts creating the world in celebration; united.  We as a people collectively opt to make the necessary metamorphosis to peace.

Why am i talking about the butterfly? Because i went for three nights without sleep, in order to see what manner of dreams my unconscious would spew out in its exhaustion. I woke up two times in between dreams and essentially had a trilogy dream. And a recurring symbol, theme or motif was the butterfly.

I have been listening to Marilyn Manson for quite some time now and in his song Tourniquet there is a scene where he is in a cocoon and by the end of the video he has emerged from it a new creature. That is what i believe is cause 1 for the dream. The 2nd possible cause of the butterfly in my dream is the fact that one of my favorite films is Silence of the Lambs.

The killer in the film, Buffalo Bill, as outlined by the brilliantly minded forensic psychologist Hannibal Lecter is a serial killer who murders overweight women and skins them so he can make a "woman suit" for himself not because he is simply a sick person, but that he is looking for a means to transform himself and find away to achieve his goal of revealing his true self, and that it just happens that his will has manifested into an alter ego that of a transvestite. Obsessed with seeing his transformation come to fruition, Buffalo Bill keeps and raises colonies of butterfly in his house and leaves their cocoons in his victims throats as an unconscious representation of his desire to be reborn anew.

I myself am looking for a means of transformation so it seems to make sense why my mind created this trilogy.


As for dreams? Dreams are part of the subconscious. Therefore hard to transfer to the conscious. More vivid dreams are a bit easier to remember. The situation or concept of the dream maybe easier to understand because we understand the concept of the dream consciously. That is only if we remember to quickly write it down. During sleep time, the unconscious mind needs to stay active so I think dreams just came about as an evolutionary mechanism of training the brain to stay active even in deep sleep.

I think I'm slowly scratching at the surface of my unconscious, that which controls so much of my life. I will reflect on my dreams in the following form.

Cycle I: The Heirophant

Cycle II: Inauguration of the Worm

Cycle III: Disintegrator Rising 

Dude....

Music & Life

In music, though, one doesn’t make the end of the composition the point of the composition.
If that were so, the best conductors would be those who played fastest; and there would be composers who only wrote finales.

People go to concerts only to hear one crashing chord - because that’s the end.
Same way in dancing—you don’t aim at a particular spot in the room; that’s where you should arrive.

The whole point of the dancing is the dance.

Now, but we don’t see that as something brought by our education into our everyday conduct.
We’ve got a system of schooling which gives a completely different impression.

It’s all graded—and what we do is we put the child into the corridor of this grade system, with a kind of “c’mon kitty kitty kitty…”.

And yeah, you go to kindergarten, and that’s a great thing, because when you finish that, you’ll get into first grade.

And then c’mon, first grade leads to second grade, and so on…

And then you get out of grade school you go to high school—and it’s revving up, the thing is coming…

Then you’re going to go to college, and by jove then you get into graduate school, and when you’re through with graduate school, you’ll go out to join the world.

And then you get into some racket where you’re selling insurance. And they’ve got that quota to make. And you’re going to make that.

And all the time, this thing is coming, it’s coming, it’s coming—that great thing, the success you’re working for.

Then when you wake up one day about forty years old, you say “My God! I’ve arrived! I’m there!”

And you don’t feel very different from what you always felt.
And there's a slight letdown, because you feel there's a hoax.

And there was a hoax.

A dreadful hoax.

They made you miss everything. By expectation.

Look at the people who live to retire, and put those savings away.

And then when they’re sixty-five, and they don’t have any energy left, they’re more or less impotent, they go and rot in an old people’s “senior citizens” community.

Because we’ve simply cheated ourselves, the whole way down the line.

We thought of life by analogy was a journey, was a pilgrimage, which had a serious purpose at the end.

And the thing was to get to that end.

Success, or whatever it is, or maybe heaven after you’re dead.

But we missed the point the whole way along.

It was a musical thing, and you were supposed to sing, or to dance, while the music was being played.