For many people, Autumn, or Samhain, is a time to remember loved ones who have passed away.
Apples have long been viewed as a sacred fruit. They’ve been used in Halloween divinations in the not-so-distant past and they are often associated with faeries in old folktales.
Years ago I had read in a book written in the 1800’s about the custom of burying apples for the souls of the dead. It was believed that these souls would rise up on All Hallows and visit their living relatives. To appease these souls, apples were buried and plates of food were left outdoors.
After learning about this old tradition, my children and I decided we would make it our own. Every year, after we get home from trick-or-treating, we each bury a red apple in memory of someone we have loved. Sometimes, a dear pet has been remembered and the apple burial was a way for the children to remember the pet and to finally let go of the loss. Other times, it was a relative or a friend who left us too soon.
This year my daughter wants to bury her apple in memory of the Amish girls who were taken from this world far too soon. My son, for his guinea pig who passed away.
While the custom was originally meant to sooth the spirits of the dead, there is no doubt in my mind that taking the time to remember loved ones is a soothing to and healing for the living.
