Thursday, October 30, 2014

Cultural Matters: Halloween in Scotland


Samhain (samhuinn) -- pronounced Sow-an -- is a ancient Gaelic ceremony that originated in the British isles. Samhain is the Gaelic word  for the month of November -- it meant "gloom", as in a gloomy weather -- It was also the name of a festival held on 1 November. Much like May Day and Beltane both of which marked the start of summer, it marked the start of winter (Gales recognized only two seasons, summer & winter). Usually involving the lighting of bonfires to purify the community and  to signal the change in seasons, cattle and humans both were walked between the fires to purify them. In Scotland, junipers were thrown upon  the bonfires to for further purification. The result of the ceremony was hopefully survival through the winter. It provided the basis for the Christian holiday(s) of All Souls Day & All Hallows Day, which evolved into our modern Halloween.


Both Samhain and Beltane were revived in 1988 in Edinburgh and are now held each 30 April (Beltane Eve) on Calton Hill and 31 October on the Royal Mile in front of St. Giles Cathedral by the Beltane Fire Society. Each attract more than 15,000 people a year. Although some Neo-Pagans and Wiccans celebrate it too, the modern Edinburgh ceremony is more performance art than religious revival. It also has little resemblance to the original ceremonies. Here is the Beltane Fire Society celebrating their interpretation of Samhain in Edinburgh in 2007.



Monday, October 6, 2014

Cultural Matters: Scottish & British Food

One of the joys of traveling is discovering new foods and treats. In Britain -- and especially Scotland -- there are plenty of opportunities. From snacks to meals to tea to desserts, we will discover all types of culinary delights. Below are few of the classic foods to expect while traveling in Great Britain.

Fish and Chips


The classic British meal. Usually made from cod (though sometimes other white-fleshed fish such as haddock or whiting), it is traditionally served wrapped in paper (newsprint in the past) with fries (chips in Britain). Although served in many pubs and restaurants, the best come from the traditional "chip shop", which are becoming increasingly rare to find.

Bangers and mash




My personal favorite, this dish is a pub staple. (The above was my lunch at the Queen's Head Pub back in June 2010 in Downe, England). Basically it is mashed potatoes, Cumberland sausages, and gravy.







Steak and Ale Pie