Legends of Hallow’s Eve

By CALEB O’CONNOR

Halloween is sneaking up on us! But we have enough surprise scares with the cost of living, so instead, let’s prepare for what Halloween brings to our doors. Oiche Samhain is the night the veil is thinnest, the night when the fog that separates us from the other dissipates and we are left with the fear of what could be over our shoulders. Our ancestors felt it too - the shiver of suspicion, the tension in the air when darkness fell. And they knew just how to keep the worst away. On Hallow’s eve, no one walked alone for fear of being snatched by all manner of ghouls. They wore disguises to blend in with the spirits as they left the bonfire. The light and noise kept spirits at bay. But what about when they left the fireside? Thanks to the Blacksmith Jack, they carried light.

Jack has been accused of all sorts. But he definitely made a0 deal with the Devil. Because of this, he was turned away from heaven and condemned to wander the earth. But he asked the Devil for a light and was given a burning

A carved turnip from the collection of the National Museum of Ireland Country Life. The Ride of Your Life - an incredible piece by artist Hex Sharpe that captures the majesty of the Púca. Find their work, their store, and more info on their website: www.hexsharpe.com

coal ember. He placed it in a turnip he had gouged and wandered the world with it lighting the way. With their own carved turnips, the way was lit with flame from the bonfire. And better still, with the lit turnip on the window, Jack wouldn’t come knocking. As we immigrated, turnips became harder to find, and in America were replaced with the easier to find— and easier to carve—pumpkin. Turnip light isn’t strong enough for every spirit. Another powerful visitor is the Púca, a shapeshifting trickster. Most often associated with the harvest end, it comes looking for its share of the crop. In a human form, it usually has animal features, such as a tail or animal ears, and while it can take a great many forms, it is most commonly seen as a sleek black horse with luminescent eyes and a flowing mane. Unlike another horselike creature, the Kelpie, the Púca doesn’t drown or devour those who hitch a ride. Rather it is just a playful, albeit wild, ride. The Púca is more respected than feared but is a creature capable of prophecy and warning, so perhaps one to be cautiously avoided. But not all spirits want to trick! With that veil so thin, old friends and family were just as likely to pass through, and empty chairs were left by the fireside to invite them. Some of these traditions have lasted, some evolved, and some have been lost to time. But they can always be renewed, only we stop their return. Maybe they’ll help. Maybe they’ll validate the feeling that lingers up the back of your arms as you walk dark roads under the waxing crescent. Maybe it’s all just silly words! But remember; every legend comes from somewhere.