#halloween

400 years ago, in Scotland, near the Celts in the village of Bradmore, a group of young people happily crossed a dirt road. The village in which they live has about 300 inhabitants. To gather enough food, they all work a large piece of land. Not much usually happens in this quiet village. Normally, everyone deals with their daily worries. But today is a very special day. Because it's October 30th. The harvest has arrived, the animals are in their stables. The new year is announced tomorrow.
On the still dark country roads, lanterns, held by young people, flicker. After them, they shoot a cart. In which there are some blocks of wood or speckled branches.
It's a happy gang. To the music of a piper, they dance as they progress slowly on the road.
Curiously, they are all dressed up. Some in a really creepy suit. Others have disguised themselves in animal skin.
As soon as they approach a farm, a door swings open and a man also dressed up steps towards them with a pile of logs that he puts on the cart.
In the next farm is a man dressed in a pig's suit. His wife sewed it neatly together for him. He looks very convincing, really like a pig. Knot knot, he intentionally acts when the boys and girls are at his door. “So, he says, you'll be doing a second round in the village later, for sure? Because your cart, I see, is filled to the brim. Or should I lend you a second car?

Of course, they choose the second option. The 'pig' has already neatly placed its pile of wood on it.

The crammed carts are all towed to the middle of the village and unloaded. All the wood is placed on top of each other in beautiful hills in a circle around numerous Menhirs.

These Menhirs are the burial grounds of their beloved ancestors.

In the middle of it is a stone altar. On top of it lies a well-washed sheep. Its legs are tied together and the sheep bleats with dismay at its sad fate, the whole neighborhood together.
But no one seems to be bothering about that.
Perhaps it is also thirsty or hungry and the sheep dreams of a fresh scent of water or the juicy freckles in the meadow. At least it keeps a close eye on the people around her.
Maybe it does think: “I used to get so much love from them and now this. It's actually completely confused.

In a ceremonial procession, 5 Druids step to the altar in a row. They are filled in their finest white robes.

At the entrance between the Menhirs is an older Druid. He has a long grey beard and holds a beautifully painted walking stick.
Behind him, the dressed residents of the village gather.
The Druid hits three times with his stick on a near Menhir. The stones on it echo the blows excellently.

Then the whole village, behind the old Druide, walks to the altar.
As soon as they are about two meters away, the Druide raises its hand in the air.
Then suddenly the buzz of the talking people stops.
In the distance, a man blows his horn. The Menhirs reflect the shrill sound.
Children are also present. They are also dressed up. But in Liefelinker characters such as elves, angels, gnomes, flowers or fairies.
They also think the disguises are super cool. Because everyone hides optimally behind a mask, people really don't know who's next to them about each other. Soon at the festive table, they will only find out who is sitting next to them at the table. Some people think they recognize their neighbor by voice or their way of doing things. But of course, they can also be wrong about that.

The main druid starts his speech. It's silent. No one dares disturb the Druid. Because on Samhein, all the Gods come by the crack of the afterlife to listen to the exclamations. They really wouldn't appreciate it, a nuisance to the Druide. Then they were probably punished by them too. Together with the Gods, the ghosts of their deceased ancestors are also visiting today. They get through the same thing as the Gods. Soon they will join us at the festive table. There, they have one especially available for them every 5 seats.

“Beloved Gods”, the elderly Druid begins. You took great care of us again this year. It has rained enough and all fruits and vegetables have risen like cabbage. For which we sincerely thank you. To thank you, we will offer you the blood of our very best and beloved sheep as a gift.

As he says that, he makes sure that the sheep on the altar moves to the afterlife with a quick fill.
Some small children who had a close relationship with this sweet, beautiful sheep must cry about it. Their mothers caress their hair reassuringly or give them a heartfelt hug. The sound of children sobbing is all they hear. Apart from the birds chirping, of course, and the creeping cricket. Because they don't care about that human stuff

From somewhere, a drum roll and the rhythmic drool of a piper suddenly sounds.
Then, with a prayer, the Druid completed the ceremony.

A man dressed in a Zombie-like costume steps to the hills of stacked wood with a burning torch and lights them.

This will be done with an OOO! of the people awarded.
Moving the beautiful yellow-orange flames brings them into a friendly trance. They look at it amused and feel totally in a festive mood.

After about half an hour, after much chatter and laughter among themselves, they make their way to a long table in the middle of a meadow.
Huge kettles of fragrant soup simmer on the fire.
Beautiful Dahlias with their warm colors are on the table, fresh bread is ready everywhere and everyone has a large bowl.
People say themselves randomly somewhere on a chair at the long table. But make sure that a seat remains free for one of their ancestors each time.
Then they shuffle with their bowl to the huge cauldron to get a few scoops of delicious soup.
Back at the table, of course, they take off their head curling. Which sparks a lot of reactions about the surprising discovery of who their neighbor is.
There are also carafes brewed with alcoholic beverages made from honey on the table. It's nice and sweet and everyone drinks a glass of it. Apple juice is available for children
Another carafe contains cherry liqueur. Which is also enjoyed by many.
After the simple feast, there is still music and dancing, of course.
As usual, everyone stays into the early morning. So it's not a party every day. If something is celebrated then, is it actually done.
Of course, the masks are put back on during the dance.
There is talking, sweating, laughing and dancing to the music that trained fingers perform grandiose. Everyone is having fun until finally the sun rises from behind the Einder with all its beautiful gays.
One by one, tired but satisfied, they go to their own place
Today is New Year! The party continues for another day. Soon, the sheep will be consumed and a pig too. That will be feasted. The animals both go on a spit.
But now they are going to rest. A whole day if necessary. Of course, they also have to feed the quantities for a while.
Today, there is time to take a breath of fresh air and look forward to the delicious meat that awaits them.