BATH — The folk duo Castlebay will perform a concert of music and lore for Samhain, the late autumn Celtic holiday also known as Halloween on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Winter Street Center, 880 Washington St.
A news release describes Samhain as follows:
Before the industrial revolution, when the vast majority of people lived in a pastoral setting, this time of renewal was a natural part of the yearly cycle. The mythology, music and arts of the ancient Celtic people reflects their belief in cycles and that a cycle began in darkness. The day started at dusk and the New Year, or Samhain (pronounced sahwhen), occurred at the end of October when the seed falls to the earth for a time of incubation.
Samhain is a time for both endings and beginnings; honoring the memory of things past and preparing for spring’s rebirth. More than just a celebration of gathering the fruits of our physical labor, it was believed that we should show appreciation for our ancestors and reap the harvest of their wisdom and experience.
The Cailleach or “Old Crone of Winter” makes her appearance at Samhain. It was also believed that this is a time when the door to the Otherworld is open and we have the opportunity to see both past and future. With this door open, the normal and supernatural mingle and all is not as it seems. Disguises and charms are necessary to confound the tricky spirits and treats are necessary to assuage them. Celtic music and poetry are rich with the symbols and imagery of this potent and mysterious time.
This special concert will explore the many aspects of the Samhain celebration through story and song.
Castlebay members Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee sing and play the music of the Celtic lands interweaving music and lore in their personable performances.
Admission is $10. Children get in free.
For more information, call 529- 5438, email castlebay@castlebay.net or visit www.castlebay.net.
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