From Rev. Tony McNeile:

“This evening we were travelling home. The motorway was blocked by an accident, so we peeled off at the next junction, which took us through the local towns. We had to avoid many a group of witches and skeletons who were children this morning! They were out in force trick-or-treating. One house we passed was projecting a ghostly figure dancing on their front window – not seen that before. It’s all good fun.

Halloween is not Samhain, though. It is a festival for remembering those close to us who have passed away, and whom we still miss. We remember how valuable their lives have been to us, and what they passed down to us – like their features, mannerisms, skills and wisom.

Family visiting Ireland recently returned with a ‘barmbrack’ for me. The label says it is an authentic fruit loaf. On the package it also says:

‘Going back centuries, families came together to celebrate the Samhain festival. The bambrack would contain various objects baked into the bread telling the finder’s fortune:

“Ring for marriage

Pea for remaining single

Stick for an unhappy marriage

Cloth for poverty

Coin for good fortune or riches.”

I am a bit wary of cutting into it!

Rev. Tony McNeile.