Paga Samhain, also known as Samhain or Halloween, is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated annually on October 31st. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The festival has its roots in Celtic paganism and was traditionally observed by the Celts as a time to honor and connect with their ancestors. During Paga Samhain, various rituals and customs are performed to pay tribute to the spirits of the deceased and seek their blessings. One of the main rituals involves setting up an altar or a special area in the home to honor the ancestors. This may include pictures or mementos of loved ones who have passed away, as well as offerings such as food, drink, and flowers.
This may include pictures or mementos of loved ones who have passed away, as well as offerings such as food, drink, and flowers. Offerings are an important part of Paga Samhain rituals and are believed to nourish and please the spirits. Food offerings may include traditional dishes associated with the harvest season, such as apples, nuts, and grains.
The Stonekeeper (Amulet #1), 1 - by Kazu Kibuishi
Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Lured into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals, they face the most terrifying monster of all.
Book Synopsis
The first book in Kazu Kibuishi's #1 New York Times bestselling series that features a beautiful but dangerous world of new friends, giant robots, and shadowy enemies!
After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather. The strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a tentacled creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into a fantastical world inhabited by robots, mysterious plants, and talking animals. It's up to Em and Navin to figure out how to set things right and save their mother's life!
Review Quotes
Praise for Amulet:
#1 New York Times Bestselling Series
Five -- no, three pages into Amulet and you'll be hooked. -- Jeff Smith, creator of BONE
[The] action-packed adventure sequences move at an exciting clip. -- Booklist
A richly drawn graphic-fantasy series following in the footsteps of BONE and a must for all fantasy fans. -- Kirkus Reviews
Stellar artwork, imaginative character design, moody color and consistent pacing. -- Publishers Weekly
Praise for Amulet
New York Times Bestseller
Five-no, three pages into Amulet and you'll be hooked. - Jeff Smith, creator of BONE
[The] action-packed adventure sequences move at an exciting clip . . . Part fantasy . . . and part manga, this volume has much to appeal to readers. - Booklist
A richly drawn graphic-fantasy series following in the footsteps of BONE and a must for all fantasy fans. - Kirkus Reviews
Stellar artwork, imaginative character design, moody color and consistent pacing. - PW Comics Week
About the Author
Kazu Kibuishi is the creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling Amulet series, which is available in 16 languages. He is also the creator of Copper, a collection of his popular webcomic that features an adventuresome boy-and-dog pair. Kazu also illustrated the covers of the 15th anniversary paperback editions of the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. He lives and works near San Antonio, with his wife, Amy Kim Kibuishi, and their children. Visit Kazu online at boltcity.com
Review Quotes
Drinks like cider or mead are also commonly offered. These offerings are left on the altar or placed at the gravesites of ancestors. Another key aspect of Paga Samhain is the practice of divination. It is believed that during this time, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thin, making it easier to communicate with the spirits. Divination techniques such as tarot card reading, scrying, or using Ogham stones were used to gain insights into the future or seek guidance from the ancestors. Bonfires are commonly lit during Paga Samhain celebrations, symbolizing the light during the dark winter months. These bonfires not only provided warmth and light but were also believed to have protective and purifying qualities. People would gather around the bonfires, telling stories, singing songs, and performing dances. In modern times, Paga Samhain has evolved into Halloween, where people dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and participate in festive activities. However, many Paga Samhain rituals and traditions are still practiced by modern pagans and Wiccans who seek to connect with their Celtic roots and honor their ancestors. Overall, Paga Samhain rituals are a way for people to remember and connect with their ancestors, seek their guidance and blessings, and embrace the changing seasons. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of life and death..
Reviews for "Preserving Ancient Wisdom: The Oral Tradition of Paga Samhai Rituals"
1. Anna - 2 stars - I attended a Paga samhai ritual last week and I have to say I was really disappointed. The whole experience felt highly commercialized and lacked authenticity. The organizers seemed more interested in making a profit rather than providing a genuine spiritual experience. The rituals felt rushed and there was a lack of explanation or understanding of their significance. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and like I had wasted my time and money.
2. John - 1 star - I have to say that the Paga samhai rituals I attended were a complete disappointment. The whole event seemed disorganized and chaotic. There was no clear direction or guidance from the organizers, and everything felt like a haphazard mess. The rituals themselves didn't make much sense and lacked any kind of meaningful connection to the participants. It felt more like a tourist attraction rather than a spiritual experience. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for an authentic and meaningful ritual experience.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I went to a Paga samhai ritual with high hopes but was left feeling let down. The atmosphere was tense and uncomfortable, making it difficult to fully relax and connect with the rituals. The organizers didn't do a good job of explaining the purpose and meaning behind the different rituals, leaving many of us feeling lost and disconnected. Additionally, the location was not well-maintained and had a poor ambiance. Overall, the experience fell short of my expectations and I would not attend another Paga samhai ritual in the future.