SAMHAIN CEREMONIAL BLANKET

SAMHAIN 100% ORGANIC WOVEN COTTON CEREMONIAL BLANKET LIMITED EDITION of 100

Despite the fact that millions of kids and adults join in the festivities on October 31st, few are aware of Halloween’s historic Celtic roots in the Samhain festival. Samhain, which dates from as long as 2,000 years ago in Celtic lands, marked the transition between the lighter (summer) and darker halves of the year (winter). At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.

FURTHER READING

The family’s ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. People wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves, thus avoiding harm from the wandering otherworldly spirits. Bonfires and food played a large part in the festivities. The bones of livestock were cast into a communal fire, household fires were extinguished and started again from the bonfire. Food was prepared for the living and the dead and food for the ancestors, who were in no position to eat it, was then ritually shared.

Painted in muted earthy-tones, this image is filled with cryptic symbology. At the centre of the scene is a strange gathering of masked figures. Elements from the Samhain festival are reinterpreted , along with various cultural costumes found in Pagan Europe and traditions from antiquity. The characters are both historical and imagined.

The iconic Minotaur holds a tambourine and offers a snake to the central figure; this dominating presence is covered in a thick hairy pelt and adorned with a bull’s skull that bears a resemblance to the Kukeri costumes of Bulgaria.

The Satyr from Greek mythology plays the Aulos or “double flute” as a strange shaman or wizard wears a bird-like mask and holds bones in his hands. Reminiscent of the wine fuelled, Ancient Roman Bacchanalia festivals; a cloaked figure pours wine into a being wearing a skeleton mask as a dog- headed women looks over the proceedings.

This image could be seen to represent a lament for how Western culture has lost touch with ritual, nature and spirit and our more esoteric traditions.

FEATURES

• Multi Woven Organic Cotton Fabric
• Original Artwork
• 100% Organic Cotton
• Limited Edition of 100
• Interwoven
• Fringed edge
• 30 Day Returns Window
• For Every Item Sold We Plant 3 Trees

ONE SIZE

203 cm x 152 cm

CARE GUIDE

Hand wash your item with PH neutral soap and cool water. Air dry. Do not machine wash or tumble dry as some shrinkage may occur.

With any work of art, there are signs of the artist at work. Enjoy any print irregularities, they are part of the finish and should not be considered as imperfections. They are part of your garment and they are what makes it unique.

SUSTAINABILITY

This Limited Edition Garment is made from cellulose-based fibres sourced from sustainably managed forests, which balance the needs of the environment, wildlife and forest communities.

100% Woven Organic Cotton.

For Every Item Sold We Plant 3 Trees.