The most bizarre set of cousins was in their secluded tree house. Both girls were nine-years-old. One was a red-haired princess, and the other looked like a feral child who happened to be a witch-in-training. It'd been a jaw-dropper many months ago to find out Princess Ophelia and her best friend Brystal were actual cousins. Ophelia's father was Brystal's mother's brother. Still, it hadn't changed the dynamics of their friendship at all.
Like her mother, Merida, Ophelia didn't give a crap about being a 'conventional' princess. So she'd always adored Brystal and never cared about her feral appearance. The girls were happiest when together. While splitting some sweets, they swiped from the kitchen and chatted about the upcoming holiday, Samhain.
They're looking forward to the massive bonfire and dressing up to frighten any spirits coming their way. Plus, they celebrate the harvest while praying for their lost loved ones. Samhain was their favorite holiday.
Primarily, witches looked forward to it. Since this be Brystal's first Samhain since uncovering her supernatural gift? It meant she'd obtain her first power-up now that her gift had been awakened.
Her mother explained to her sister-in-law that a witch's capabilities grew yearly on this holiday. So when they turned sixteen, it meant they were now full-fledged witches! So this year's holiday meant a lot to Brystal.
Ophelia finished scarfing down her cake before asking, "Since it's your first Samhain since discovering your talent, does that mean you've got to dress up fancy?" she questioned curiously.
Her cousin seemed conflicted before nodding. "I'll have to be spotless and wear new garments. I'm fortunate I can still be barefoot. However, I'm not looking forward to my mom dressing me up!"
"I'm already terrified at what my grandmother will do to me. Even after being cursed, she occasionally slips back into being a pompous high queen. Ugh, I wish she'd mellow out some more."
"Sadly, old habits are hard to break. Yet, she's not as bad as before Grandmother's cake cursed her, right?"
"Nope, she's not. However, it doesn't stop her from sometimes trying to turn me into a lady," Ophelia scoffed, then grinned, "However, I'm too much like my mum. Which I think is a good thing!" The cousins chuckled merrily at the thought.
"Well, I suppose it won't be so awful to be clean for once. It should get some of the castle servants off my back. I may be a little messy, but it doesn't mean I don't wash! It's just living in the woodlands. It's easier to get muddy, is all!" she shot back bitterly.
"Well, I don't give a crap, cousin, since we're all going to get filthy anyway! But, how do you not get mucky celebrating around a massive bonfire at night?" questioned the young princess as she flicked her long pigtails.
Brystal almost busted a gut from laughing so hard. "You are beyond wise, cousin! So should we work on my music?" Her fetching cousin nodded. Brystal took out her flute and began to play.
As soon as the first note escaped her flute, her jasper trinket started glowing from the young witchling's witchcraft. Ophelia smiled widely as her cousin's ghostly music caused exciting things to transpire.
A few nights later, the kingdom gathered at the circle of stones to celebrate the holiday. People were dressed and wearing various masks to scare away the dark spirits. They're thankful for a bountiful harvest. There was a huge feast, tons of music, and dancing. Plus, they performed rituals to commune with the dead. It was a perfect holiday for the two cousins!
Ophelia: Brennley Faith Brown: Lily a Good Witch: Sofia, the first
Brystal: Merit Leighton: Lucinda Sofia, the First
It was a time to pray for the dead in the middle ages. There is no evidence that October 31 (today's Halloween) was anything but an atypical day during Medieval times. The second tradition is Samhain. A Celtic Festival that's mainly found among the Irish.
Rituals associated with Samhain included large bonfires, feasting, and dancing. These allowed assistants to communion with the dead while celebrating the harvest. Plus, sharing it with those present and those who have passed. Samhain is believed to have been an important date since ancient times.
In medieval Britain, 'Halloween' was the eve of the Catholic festival All Saints or All-Hallows (from Old English 'Holy Man') on November 1 and was followed by the feast of All Souls on November 2.
Many religious people — Jehovah's Witnesses, some Jewish, and Muslims — don't celebrate the day and still manage to have fun. The origins of Halloween are one of the reasons why these individuals decide not to celebrate the day.
Although some families don't celebrate for secular reasons, most don't participate in Halloween for religious reasons. Religion is vital in most other major holidays, such as Christmas, Passover, Easter, and Yom Kippur. However, Halloween is not usually associated with religion.
Russia, indeed does not celebrate Halloween. Russians are very vocal about why the holiday is not welcome in their country. Some politicians and religious groups say it goes against their Christian and cultural values and traditions.
Halloween continues to grow in popularity in Japan. It burst onto the scene in 2000 when Tokyo Disneyland hosted its first Halloween event. It was a triumph, and other theme parks followed suit. As a result, Halloween is one of the most significant events on the calendar, held on October 31.
Despite having its roots in the Celtic cultures of Europe, Halloween in France is not a traditional holiday and came from North America in the 1990s. However, La Toussaint, known in English as All Saints Day, is France's widely celebrated national holiday.
China doesn't tend to celebrate Halloween as we do. However, on the 14th night of the 7th Lunar month in the rotating Chinese calendar, the Hungry Ghost Festival (or Yulan Festival or Teng Chieh as it's traditionally called) takes place.
