October is here! The time of stunning autumn leaves and scary movies. Do you love Hallowe’en? Do you hold a party, or decorate your house for the kids?
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For me, the changing of the seasons didn’t hold much signficance as I was growing up. Miami doesn’t have much of a change – trees don’t change color and the weather only gets slightly cooler. As I moved farther north, I delighted in the beauty of nature. This is my first autumn in New York State and I’m truly looking forward to the delight.
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In the ancient past, Hallowe’en was called Samhain (SOW-an) in Celtic countries and was celebrated as a solemn time, honoring the past and the ghosts of your ancestors. It was a time when the veil between the worlds was at it’s thinnest. It was also the time of the new year, which started with the darker half of the year. It was then that cattle were brought down from summer pastures for the slaughter.
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Offers of food were left out for the Sidhe, the ancient gods or fairies of the Irish. They were thought to walk our earth on Samhain, and giving gifts to appease them was thought to keep their mischief and anger at bay.
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When Christianity tried to convert pagans to their new religion, they repurposed Samhain to All Hallows’ Eve, a holiday that honored the ancestors as well.
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Tell me why you love October!
I write historical fantasy novels, mostly set in Ireland, and a contemporary romance based on my parents’ 30-year search for true love. Don’t miss information on Celtic myth and history, as well as practical travel planning tips, and hidden places, in my travel books.
– Better To Have Loved – Contemporary romance based on the true story of my parents’ 30-year search for love
– Legacy of Hunger – Historical fantasy set in 1846 Ireland
– Legacy of Truth – Historical fantasy set around 1800 Ireland. Prequel to Legacy of Hunger. Available now!
– Legacy of Luck – Historical fantasy set in 1745 Ireland and Scotland. Prequel to Legacy of Truth, tentative release date January, 2017!
– The Enchanted Swans – Historical fantasy set in 500 BCE Ireland, based on The Children of Lir, an Irish Fairy Tale. Tentative release date March 8, 2017!
– Stunning, Strange and Secret: A Guide to Hidden Scotland
– Mythical, Magical, Mystical: A Guide to Hidden Ireland
More info at Green Dragon Artist :: Home ,
Christy Jackson Nicholas, Author , and
Tirgearr Publishing – Christy Nicholas
Green Dragon Artist Blog
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I am an artist, accountant and author living in western New York, transplanted from Denmark, Michigan, Florida, West Virginia, Pennsylvania (in that order!) I love the beauty of the world and sharing it with others through jewelry, photography, digital painting and writing.
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