Parishioners and visitors gathered at St Michael’s and South Church in Dumfries for an enlightening talk on the history of Hallowe’en. Judith Hewitt, museums curator with Dumfries and Galloway Council, presented a slide show titled “A History of Hallowe’en – Pagan, Celtic, Christian?” During the presentation, Judith delved into the origins of Hallowe’en, tracing its development from early Pagan and Celtic traditions to its Christian adaptations. Despite the absence of witches at the event, Judith captivated the audience with a mix of facts, myths, and mysteries surrounding Hallowe’en, also known as All Hallows’ Eve or All Saints Day.
Originally planned as a guided Graveyard Tour, the inclement weather led to the event being moved indoors. Fiona Lee, the church’s development officer, skillfully guided attendees through the graveyard’s history and notable figures buried there. To conclude the evening, attendees enjoyed hot chocolate as they absorbed the intriguing stories shared.
Reflecting on the event, Fiona expressed the church’s commitment to welcoming members and visitors throughout the year. She highlighted the Wild Goose Festival, which celebrates renewal and hope, drawing parallels to the true origins of Hallowe’en. Fiona described the experience as a wonderful opportunity to learn from Judith and showcase the unique charm of St Michael’s and South Church.
For those interested in future events at the church, more information can be found on their website and Facebook page. The educational and engaging evening at St Michael’s and South Church left attendees with a deeper understanding of the rich history and traditions surrounding Hallowe’en.
In summary, the community in Dumfries had the opportunity to explore the origins of Hallowe’en at St Michael’s and South Church through an informative talk by Judith Hewitt. The event, which was originally planned as a graveyard tour, provided attendees with insights into the historical evolution of Hallowe’en from Pagan and Celtic roots to its significance in Christian traditions. Fiona Lee’s narration of the graveyard’s history added another layer of intrigue to the evening, making it a memorable and enlightening experience for all who attended.