Quote Originally Posted by tattiefritter
I'm not sure if it was a Scottish tradition or not as my grandparents were Irish and I know it is definitely an Irish tradition.
It is definately part of Gaelic pre-Christian tradition - think stories around Avalon, Morgaine and so forth... this time and these myths and stories are why my first name, Raven, has been chosen both for me and by me.
I am mostly Scottish if you "read" my genes and I have always felt drawn to parts of the UK - even before I was able to identify that I didn't think like so many around me. I look forward to visiting and walking in some of these places and breathing the air and feeling the touch of the magick that is undoubtedly still in the air.



Quote Originally Posted by tattiefritter
The expectation is to be given sweets rather than earn it. There also seems to be a fair amount of older kids spoiling it by trying to get money. My boyfriend never went "guising" so only has the imported American traditions to go on.
And this is what happens when you don't give the kids the 'full' story - or at least one of the interpretations of why they might say trick or treat... for example; one of the stories says that if the Druids came to your door asking for a child for initiation (though Priests told people that Druids used children for blood sacrifice) then you would not be favoured by the Druids (or, the Priests would say, the druids would put an evil curse/spell on you). So the child was the treat - the dis-favour was the trick.
If children do not have understanding, then I guess it is inevitable in the capitalised West that it becomes "all bout me and what I can get"



Quote Originally Posted by Quillfred
Parts of Mexico have been able to retain traditions in El Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead. I have been privileged in the past to participate in this holy holiday time in Oaxaca City - one of the southern states with large indiginous populations.
Ah… and this is it… something is celebrated in all cultures I can think of to acknowledge the start or moiddle of winter, it usually incorporates reverence for the dead… so why forget our past in the flurry of commercialistation – for where is the future without that – and why turn either death, or the rythym of the world (our seasons) into a commercial enterprise?? It is always wonderful to hear people celebrating in old ways, and even incorporating it into new ways (when I think Mexico, I think a high Christian population – and yet old ways are not lost simply because of new ways). In this country, when missionaries brought Christianity, the old Goddesses and Gods of this land were not forsaken by Maori, and in fact are still acknowledged without conflict beside Christianity