The ancients believed that each day began at dusk and so the first celebration and the day in which the Celtic New Year begins is Oct 31, midway between the Autumnal equinox and the Winter solstice.

As the seed falls to the earth this is a time for both endings and beginnings. Through death in Winter all life journeys to rebirth in Spring. A Feast of the Dead was celebrated to honor the memories of the ancestors. Rituals were also performed for divination and to cleanse away negative influences. The Cailleach or "Old Woman of Winter" appears at Samhain

Autumn is a time of harvest and as such, we enjoy many celebrations at this time of year. A celebration of harvest has many facets. It includes joy and thanksgiving for the fruits of labor, relief that the labor is past, and and the understanding that we must prepare for labor to come. Before the industrial revolution, when the vast majority of people lived in a pastoral setting, this time of renewal was a natural part of the yearly cycle. Too often in today's hectic urban culture we forget, or even resist, this opportunity to slow down and get in touch with ourselves and that which nurtures and sustains us.

The Celtic tradition recognizes the many aspects of the harvest. In ancient times, the end of October was called Samhain. It was the Celtic "new year" when the seed falls to the earth for a time of incubation. The joys of the summer are put behind us and we begin to turn inward and use the quiet of the winter darkness to reflect on our past experiences and prepare for the future. More than just a celebration of gathering the fruits of our physical labor, it was believed that we should show appreciation for our ancestors and reap the harvest of their wisdom and experience. The Christian holy days of All Souls and All Saints reflect this, as does Thanksgiving, when we gather with extended family and friends "e're the winter storms begin".

This workshop and concert will explore and honor the harvest and year's turning. As we understand the heritage of our ancestors we experience the depth of their connection with Spirit and begin to integrate that ancient wisdom into our own lives. Through music, storytelling, dance and art, we will investigate the symbols of harvest and seek the meaning they may have in our individual lives. We will create a celebration of that meaning to be shared at the evening concert.