HALLOWE’EN

Southland Times, Issue 19389, 1 November 1924, Page 6

HALLOWE’EN

OLD FESTIVAL CELEBRATED SCOTTISH SOCIETY’S GATHERING Stobo Hall was comfortably filled last evening for the monthly gathering of the St. Andrew’s Scottish Society and the celebration of Hallowe’en. The Chief (Mr J. L. McG. Watson) presided. “I want you all to enter into the spirit of Hallowe’en to-night,” said the Chief in his opening remarks. “It is the eve of all Saints’ Day in Scotland when those traditions, pastimes and customs our forefathers rejoiced in are being celebrated, and which will be explained to you to-night by Mr McEwan, who is making his fourth visit to our midst. We love the history and literature of our country, the songs our fathers used to sing and the .music our mothers loved, and it is for that reason to-night that Mr McEwan is with us to bring back to our hearts and minds memories of dear old Scotland. Mr McEwan is in charge of a library of 30,000 books and more, but he still finds it a recreation to come down here and give us the benefit of his knowledge of the old festival.” (Applause). The Chief went on to say that their old friend, Mr Snow had sent all the way from Scotland a parcel of heather from the hills overlooking Scapa Flow, in the Orkneys, which was notable as the resting place of the German warships. Dr. Stewart had also remembered them on his journeys through Scotland, and he had sent them a fine photograph of the Mackintosh of Mackintosh, who took a great interest in hearing of the way Scottish Societies had extended to the farthest corners of the earth. The lecturer, Mr McEwan, was introduced by Rev. Wedderspoon, who said it was a remarkable coincidence that Mr McEwan and himself were born in the same house in Scotland. The Reverend gentleman then proceeded to put the audience in rare good humour with some of his quaint Scottish stories. MR McEWAN’S ADDRESS. Mr McEwan said that Hallowe’en, or All-Hallow-Eve, could be traced back to pagan times when men worshipped the Sun, and Baal, the God of Fire. It took the name Hallowe’en from the fact that it was the evening before the day of all the martyrs or Day of all the Saints, which was observed by the early Christian Church as far back as the year 610. The feast was first held on May 1, but was changed to November 1 -in 834. It was later a festival associated with the Druids. Centuries had passed away since the Druids held sway in the Northland and survivals of their ancient forms of worship were to. be found only in the remotest rural communities. Indeed, it might be truly said that Hallowen itself had ceased to be observed even in Scotland, but in all likelihood it would live for some time among Brither Scots in the Dominions of the Empire, who naturally were deeply attached to the manners and customs of their native land. Colonial Scots might not observe the “dookin for apples” or the burning of the nuts, but they would at least talk about the old days when they took part in the ceremony of Hallowe'en. The custom of Hallowe’en, which had been observed from the earlier times with feasting, and mirth, had some relation to the Scottish Kirn or Harvest Home gatherings when the farmer folk rejoiced together in thanksgiving that their labours of the year bad resulted in plenty for both man and beast. The Romans at this season of the year held a festival in honour of Pomona, the Goddess of Fruit, and it had to be noted that nuts, apples and other fruits of the field played a very large part in the sports and spells of Hallow Eve. Mr McEwan went on to say that Robert Burns had preserved the customs and superstitutions of Hallowe’en in an extraordinarily vivid and accurate manner. He was the best historian of Hallowen, and when he wrote his great poem on Hallowe’en he was coming into his full powers as a poet. Numerous extracts from the poets, chiefly Burns and Scott were given by Mr McEwan to illustrate his lecture, and he concluded with a magnificent reading of a chapter giving a most realistic description of the festival of Hallowe’en in Scotland. THE LECTURER THANKED.

In proposing a vote of thanks, Mr John Miller said Mr McEwan's lecture had brought back to him memories of days gone by in Auld Scotland, and his lecture had been one of the finest he had ever heard. (Applause). The Chief added his testimony to that of the previous speaker, and expressed a hope that they would soon have Mr McEwan back" with them again. The audience then sang “Will Ye No Come Back Again.” Mr McEwan briefly returned thanks, and said he might be able to come down again shortly and tell them something about Parritch, Kail and Haggis.” (Applause). An excellent musical programme was given. The choir was in splendid form and gave pleasing renditions of “Hail, Smiling Morn,” “Sands O’ Dee” and, as a concluding item, a fantasia of well-known airs. Songs were given by Miss Lauder and Mr C. Richards, both of whom were enthusiastically recalled, and a Highland Fling by Misses Sylvia Ross and Jeannette Fraser met with a similar tribute from the audience. The evening closed with Auld Lang Syne and God Saveythe King.