Happy October everyone! This month’s image was originally created by Primm in 1992. The image depicts the mighty oak tree with leaves and acorns adorning the circular “O” for the first letter of the month. While preparing to write this blog post, I had to do some research about the mighty oak. I was surprised to find out that the oak tree is one that has appeared in many cultures, religions and mythologies all around the world. Almost every faith has a version of the Tree of Life, from Christianity to Buddhism, Islam and more. The Tree of Life is prominent and symbolically meaningful in the Celtic tradition as well.
It is likely for these reasons that Primm chose the oak tree as this month’s image. As many of you know, Ireland is in our blood. John, myself, and my two sisters, Crispina and Felicitas, were all born in Ireland. As I read further about oaks in Celtic mythology, I found out that there are many ideologies that go along with the mighty oak. It was believed that the trees served a spiritual purpose and were the portal or gateway between this world and the next. Some believed that if one fell asleep under an oak tree that one might wake up in another world. I think that sounds like an adventure if there ever was one!
Oak trees aside, this month has a very special day at the end…Halloween! Did you know? Halloween originated in Ireland over 2000 years ago. For Irish pagans, the festival was originally called 'Samhain' (pronounced: sow-in), meaning 'end of summer'. During Samhain, the Celts wore costumes to disguise themselves and light bonfires as protection from evil spirits or fairies. So when you are out having some Halloween high-jinx, think about what it would have been like 2000 years ago.
And there’s your daily dose of trivia! Happy Oaktober to you all and of course a very Happy Halloween!
Be Well ~ Sofia
Kathy
October 31, 2024
October’s was one of my favorites!