Thursday, October 30, 2008

Samhain and the Burning Bones

Well it's almost Halloween, my favorite holiday this side of Christmas. And just as that winter celebration echoes many pagan antecedents, so to does this fest of the harvest and remembrance of the dead.



Our Halloween actually shares roots with many pagan celebrations that were united under the church - as well as by the integration of cultures in the West and especially in America - into the celebration of All Saints Day on November 1.

One of the threads in the tapestry is Samhain, a Celtic holiday that combined a harvest celebration, a new year's party and a festival that celebrated long gone ancestors.

The good people at Wikipedia got my back on this one:

History

see also Celtic calendar.

The Gaulish calendar appears to have divided the year into two halves: the 'dark' half, beginning with the month Samonios (the October/November lunation), and the 'light' half, beginning with the month Giamonios (the April/May lunation). The entire year may have been considered as beginning with the 'dark' half, so that the beginning of Samonios may be considered the Celtic New Year's day. The celebration of New Year itself may have taken place during the 'three nights of Samonios' (Gaulish trinux[tion] samo[nii]), the beginning of the lunar cycle which fell nearest to the midpoint between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice. The lunations marking the middle of each half-year may also have been marked by specific festivals. The Coligny calendar marks the mid-summer moon (see Lughnasadh), but omits the mid-winter one (see Imbolc). The seasons are not oriented at the solar year, viz. solstice and equinox, so the mid-summer festival would fall considerably later than summer solstice, around 1 August (Lughnasadh). It appears that the calendar was designed to align the lunations with the agricultural cycle of vegetation, and that the exact astronomical position of the Sun at that time was considered less important.



In medieval Ireland, Samhain became the principal festival, celebrated with a great assembly at the royal court in Tara, lasting for three days. After being ritually started on the Hill of Tlachtga, a bonfire was set alight on the Hill of Tara, which served as a beacon, signaling to people gathered atop hills all across Ireland to light their ritual bonfires.. The custom has survived to some extent, and recent years have seen a resurgence in participation in the festival.[6]



Samhain came to be described as "Celtic New Year" in 18th century literature[7] From this usage in the Romanticist Celtic Revival, Samhain is still popularly regarded as the "Celtic New Year" in the contemporary Celtic cultures, both in the Six Celtic Nations and the diaspora. For instance, the contemporary calendars produced by the Celtic League begin and end at Samhain.[8]

[edit] Celtic folklore

The Samhain celebrations have survived in several guises as a festival dedicated to the harvest and the dead. In Ireland and Scotland, the Féile na Marbh, the 'festival of the dead' took place on Samhain.



The night of Samhain, in Irish, Oíche Shamhna and Scots Gaelic, Oidhche Shamhna, is one of the principal festivals of the Celtic calendar, and falls on the 31st of October. It represents the final harvest. In modern Ireland and Scotland, the name by which Halloween is known in the Gaelic language is still Oíche/Oidhche Shamhna. It is still the custom in some areas to set a place for the dead at the Samhain feast, and to tell tales of the ancestors on that night.[2][4][9]



Traditionally, Samhain was time to take stock of the herds and grain supplies, and decide which animals would need to be slaughtered in order for the people and livestock to survive the winter. This custom is still observed by many who farm and raise livestock.[2][4][9]

Bonfires played a large part in the festivities celebrated down through the last several centuries, and up through the present day in some rural areas of the Celtic nations and the diaspora. Villagers were said to have cast the bones of the slaughtered cattle upon the flames. In the pre-Christian Gaelic world, cattle were the primary unit of currency and the center of agricultural and pastoral life. Samhain was the traditional time for slaughter, for preparing stores of meat and grain to last through the coming winter. The word 'bonfire', or 'bonefire' is a direct translation of the Gaelic tine cnámh. With the bonfire ablaze, the villagers extinguished all other fires. Each family then solemnly lit its hearth from the common flame, thus bonding the families of the village together. Often two bonfires would be built side by side, and the people would walk between the fires as a ritual of purification. Sometimes the cattle and other livestock would be driven between the fires, as well.[2][4][9]



Divination is a common folkloric practice that has also survived in rural areas. The most common uses were to determine the identity of one's future spouse, the location of one's future home, and how many children a person might have. Seasonal foods such as apples and nuts were often employed in these rituals. Apples were peeled, the peel tossed over the shoulder, and its shape examined to see if it formed the first letter of the future spouse's name. Nuts were roasted on the hearth and their movements interpreted - if the nuts stayed together, so would the couple. Egg whites were dropped in a glass of water, and the shapes foretold the number of future children. Children would also chase crows and divine some of these things from how many birds appeared or the direction the birds flew.[2][4][9][10]



[edit] Ireland

The Ulster Cycle is peppered with references to Samhain. Many of the adventures and campaigns undertaken by the characters therein begin at the Samhain Night feast. One such tale is Echtra Nerai ('The Adventure of Nera') concerning one Nera from Connacht who undergoes a test of bravery put forth by King Ailill. The prize is the king's own gold-hilted sword. The terms hold that a man must leave the warmth and safety of the hall and pass through the night to a gallows where two prisoners had been hanged the day before, tie a twig around one man's ankle, and return. Others had been thwarted by the demons and spirits that harassed them as they attempted the task, quickly coming back to Ailill's hall in shame. Nera goes on to complete the task and eventually infiltrates the sídhe where he remains trapped until next Samhain. Taking etymology into consideration, it is interesting to note that the word for summer expressed in the Echtra Nerai is samraid.



The other cycles feature Samhain as well. The Cath Maige Tuireadh (Battle of Mag Tuired) takes place on Samhain. The deities Morrígan and Dagda meet and have sex before the battle against the Fomorians; in this way the Morrígan acts as a sovereignty figure and gives the victory to The Dagda's people, the Tuatha Dé Danann.

The tale The Boyhood Deeds of Fionn includes an important scene at Samhain. The young Fionn Mac Cumhail visits Tara where Aillen the Burner, one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, puts everyone to sleep at Samhain and burns the place. Through his ingenuity Fionn is able to stay awake and slays Aillen, and is given his rightful place as head of the fianna.

Regardless of what you believe - or how you celebrate - I hope your revelry is deep and dark indeed.


And now for something completely different...

If you love finding new music, please check out my new CD using the player on the right. If you'd like to purchase my new CD, please pick it up at your favorite online outlet:

Joe Nolan - Blue Turns Black
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Thanks!

Be gentle in your sleepy hands on this world.
Be a killer in Heaven.

Love,
Joe Nolan

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Monday, October 27, 2008

No Mas for the Dalai Lama



After decades of trying to get China to listen to reason, the Dalai Lama has finally given up.

For years, the Dalai Lama - the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people - has been attempting to engage the Chinese government to join him in a discussion of what he has called "The Middle Way".

According to the Dalai Lama, he has acted in good faith regarding China. He insists that his goal isn't an independent Tibet, but an easing of oppression where the country's religious traditions are concerned.



Given the example of the Chinese Government's oppression of Falun Gong, it is not hard to imagine that they see Tibetan Buddhism as a threat as well. And they should. Any religion worth the mentioning must be a threat to China's brutal, illegal, totalitarian government.

For now, the DL is turning back to the Tibetan people, asking for their guidance regarding their future with China.

Check out this photo essay documenting pro-Tibet protests throughout Asia.



And now for something completely different...

If you love finding new music, please check out my new CD using the player on the right. If you'd like to purchase my new CD, please pick it up at your favorite online outlet:

Joe Nolan - Blue Turns Black
Amazon
eMusic
Rhapsody
Napster

Thanks!

Be gentle in your sleepy hands on this world.
Be a killer in Heaven.

Love,
Joe Nolan

Check out my profile at Reverb Nation to see my updated press and bio.

Listen to Joe's earlier releases, and enjoy free downloads here!

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Sunday, October 26, 2008

Barack Obama Antichrist Prophecy

Some of you may know, I am living in the American South.



Having spent years writing and recording music in Nashville, TN, I have witnessed a lot of over-the-top Christianity over the years. Like any organized religion, Christianity has lasted for thousands of years because - at its core - it blooms from a beautiful expression that offers not only a practical philosophy, but a transcendental message regarding the nature of the relationship between human beings and the divine.



With that said, Christianity - like any other organized religion - is prone to entropy through human influence and interpretation. In short, Christianity has many expressions that are ignorant, hateful, and unfortunate.



With that in mind, one of the unfortunate expressions against Barack Obama is this new idea that he is the Antichrist, prophesied in The Book of Revelations. This Internet phenomenon is so strange, bizarre and unfortunate.

Check out this blog post about the phenomenon. It explains a bit about Revelations, fear of the End Times, and some of the reasons why people may be able to believe such outrageous speculations. Ultimately, the author lands in a place that I agree with: Obama is a humble, sincere man. Will he be a great President? Maybe. Is he The Beast? Pro'lly not.

If you love finding new music, please check out my new CD using the player on the right. If you'd like to purchase my new CD, please pick it up at your favorite online outlet:

Joe Nolan - Blue Turns Black
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eMusic
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Thanks!

Be gentle in your sleepy hands on this world.
Be a killer in Heaven.

Love,
Joe Nolan

Check out my profile at Reverb Nation to see my updated press and bio.

Listen to Joe's earlier releases, and enjoy free downloads here!

Support this site! Buy Joe's Music! ...

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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Deli Sandwich

Hey Y'all



A new post about my CD - Blue Turns Black - has been added to the new version of The Deli music magazine in Nashville check it out here.

Here is a snippet:

Joe Nolan's latest release - Blue Turns Black - runs the gamut from solo-acoustic ballads to horn-infused soul to pop and rock. Blue' - like Nolan's two earlier releases - again flouts contemporary trends - to create what has been called "a Rosetta Stone of American Music."


If you like new music, please check out my new CD using the player on the right. If you'd like to purchase my new CD, please pick it up at your favorite online outlet:

Joe Nolan - Blue Turns Black
Amazon
eMusic
Rhapsody
Napster

Thanks!

Be gentle in your sleepy hands on this world.
Be a killer in Heaven.

Love,
Joe Nolan

Check out my profile at Reverb Nation to see my updated press and bio.

Listen to Joe's earlier releases, and enjoy free downloads here!

Support this site! Buy Joe's Music! ...

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Spelling - With Quentin Tarantino



I have never understood my penchant for Olde English style spelling. Obviously I write a lot of songs, poems and stories. I also publish my writing on visual art and music. All of this to say, I watch myself write - a lot. And I've noticed something...

I always want to spell like a Brit. A few examples:

Gray - GREY!
Theater - THEATRE!
Humor - HUMOUR!
Color - COLOUR!

...you get it...

Well Quentin Tarantino is a man after my own heart. Turns out the latest twist in his upcoming WWII epic involves a change in title from

Inglorious Bastards

to

INGLOURIOUS Bastards!

On behalf of everyone here at Insomnia let me say - Me likey!

And if you like new music, please check out my new CD using the player on the right. If you'd like to purchase my new CD, please pick it up at your favorite online outlet:

Joe Nolan - Blue Turns Black
Amazon
eMusic
Rhapsody
Napster

Thanks!

Be gentle in your sleepy hands on this world.
Be a killer in Heaven.

Love,
Joe Nolan

Check out my profile at Reverb Nation to see my updated press and bio.

Listen to Joe's earlier releases, and enjoy free downloads here!

Support this site! Buy Joe's Music! ...

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Welcome the 10/14/08 U.F.O.

Hello again, and welcome to the end of history...





If you are interested in new music, please check out my new CD using the player on the right. If you'd like to purchase my new CD, please pick it up at your favorite online outlet:

Joe Nolan - Blue Turns Black
Amazon
eMusic
Rhapsody
Napster

Thanks!

Be gentle in your sleepy hands on this world.
Be a killer in Heaven.

Love,
Joe Nolan

Check out my profile at Reverb Nation to see my updated press and bio.

Listen to Joe's earlier releases, and enjoy free downloads here!

Support this site! Buy Joe's Music! ...

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Monday, October 13, 2008

The Sleepless Film Festival Presents - Children of the Night: The Films of Tod Browning



Just in time for Halloween, this edition of the Sleepless Film Festival highlights two feature films by horror master Tod Browning!

Pull the shades, turn down the lights, and prepare to watch The Mark of Dracula followed by the masterpiece Freaks.

As a special bonus, we are also including a fascinating biography on Browning's greatest star: Bela Lugosi

But first, The Mark of the Vampire!



After the masterpiece that was Dracula (1931), 1935's Mark of the Vampire serves as a sequel to both the earlier bloodsucker epic, as well as Browning's silent classic London After Midnight. In the original 'Midnight, Lon Chaney played dual roles. In Mark', Bela Lugosi is cast as the infamous Count Mora, giving him a chance to spoof his classic characterization of Count Dracula. Lionel Barrymore was cast as Professor Zelen.

There is no embedding allowed with this film, but the entire feature can be viewed in one sitting right here on YouTube.

Mark of the Vampire (AKA The Vampires of Prague)

For intermission, let's learn a bit more about the man himself from this detailed biography by Jonas Brosnan. For our next feature, please note Browning's personal experiences as a carny and vaudeville performer:

Tod Browning was born on July 12, 1880. At the age of sixteen he ran away from home and joined a circus where he worked for several years as a clown, acrobat, contortionist and ringmaster. His experiences in the circus greatly influenced his later career in Hollywood and echoes of those years can be found in many of his films. After the circus Browning went into vaudeville as a comedian and toured the world with various companies.

He arrived in Hollywood in 1914 and appeared in many short films as a comedy lead. During this period he became friendly with D. W. Griffith and was one of that great director's assistants on Intolerance (1916). By this time Browning had also started to write scripts, having realized that his future lay behind the camera rather than in front of it. He learned a lot from working with Griffith and in 1917 he directed his first full-length film, Jim Bludso but it wasn't until 1920 that he established a reputation within the industry. That was when he directed, for Carl Laemmle at Universal, a melodrama set in Turkey called The Virgin of Stamboul.

His next film for Laemmle, Outside the Law (1921), starred Lon Chaney but Browning then left Universal for two years. During that period he worked only sporadically, spending most of his time trying to cope with a drinking problem. But in 1925, at the age of forty-five, he made a fresh start and had soon re-established himself as a major director. With the assistance of Laemmle's legendary young protoge, Irving Thalberg, he convinced Universal to film The Unholy Three, a story that contained many ingredients close to his heart, concerning, as it did, the activities of three ex-circus performers who, in varied disguises, run a pet store as a front for their criminal activities. It was a big success for Universal and Laemmle decided that the teaming of Browning with Chaney was a guaranteed formula for making money.

During the remaining five years of Chaney's life they made several more films together, including The Road to Mandalay (1926), The Unknown (1927) and London After Midnight (1927). Browning used, with a certain amount of pride, London After Midnight as an example of how to get audiences to accept supernatural events. "The audience was not asked to believe the horrible impossible, only the horrible possible. The plausibility increased rather than lessened the chills and thrills." Yet within two years of that interview he directed Dracula (1931), and a more implausible story it would be hard to find. It demonstrates the speed with which American audiences adjusted themselves to the "horrible impossible."

Dracula Browning was not really a horror director in the traditional sense and his version of Dracula is evidence of that. He had no real feel for the supernatural or the creation of a Gothic atmosphere, neither was he a very visual director (it's a film legend that Dracula was one of his pet projects, but there is no evidence to support that--he became involved in the picture at a late stage of its development). Whatever visual style Dracula possesses is due to cinematographer Karl Freund's influence; His main attribute as a director was his effective handling of actors. Bela Lugosi, during the making of Dracula, found Browning to be extremely helpful.

Despite the success of Dracula, and the boost it gave his career, Browning's chief interest continued to lie not in films dealing with the supernatural but in films that dealt with the naturally grotesque and bizarre. So, after Dracula, he returned to his beloved circus setting with a rather controversial idea--a film about a group of circus freaks, using real freaks--and it was this that proved the cause of his professional undoing. Not surprisingly, the executives at Universal were not very enthusiastic about the project, but once again Thalberg, then at MGM, came to Browning's assistance and persuaded a doubtful Louis B. Mayer to accept the idea.

Freaks (1932) was about a beautiful but evil trapeze artist called Cleopatra (played by the Russian-born Olga Baclanova) who marries one of the circus midgets when she discovers that he will inherit a large amount of money. (The midget, called Hans, was played by an old friend of Browning's, Harry Earles, who had also appeared in both versions of The Unholy Three.) After they marry she plots with the circus strongman, her lover, to poison Hans slowly. The midget is part of the circus freak show and when the others learn of the plot they take drastic action, turning the once beautiful Cleopatra into a horribly disfigured part of the freak show.

Freaks Critical reception to Freaks was mixed but not entirely adverse. The real damage to the film was done both by the cinema managers and by cinema audiences themselves. Their horrified reaction ensured that the film was a financial flop (it had a good run in a couple of American cities but not enough to make any difference--and in Britain it was banned for over thirty years). People were willing to take the make-believe horror of Boris Karloff lurching around as an animated corpse but they weren't willing to endure a close-up view of some of reality's more unpleasant aspects, especially in 1932 when they considered that their own lives were grim enough. The film has never been widely shown and the reaction from audiences even today would still probably be a mixed one.

Freaks became one of MGM's worst failures and a saddened, and surprised, Browning realized he had made a serious error of judgment. His next film for MGM (he was under contract to them) made the following year was about a very different subject--riveters working on skyscrapers--and was called Fast Workers. Surprisingly enough, MGM did give him further horror assignments (probably on the insistence of Thalberg). In 1935 it was The Mark of the Vampire, a rather flaccid remake of London After Midnight with Lugosi in the Chaney role.

More interesting was The Devil Doll in 1936 which had Lionel Barrymore as a man wrongly convicted of a crime. He escapes from prison and encounters an old scientist who has invented a process by which he can shrink animals and people so that, while inanimate, they resemble dolls. When brought to life the tiny people have no will of their own and will follow any command. Barrymore steals several of the "dolls" and returns to New York where he opens a doll's shop, then proceeds to send his tiny creatures on missions to kill the men who framed him. To avoid detection he dresses up as an old woman--a favorite Browning device--and much of the film's enjoyment comes from watching Barrymore's amusing portrayal of this unlikely character.

Browning's last film for MGM was in 1939, a light-hearted mystery about stage magicians called Miracles for Sale. He retired from the industry then and spent the remainder of his life living on his ample savings and, according to Carlos Clarens in his book Horror Movies, "gently deprecating the films that had made him rich and celebrated." He died on October 6, 1962, while recovering from a cancer operation.

--JOHN BROSNAN, from
The Horror People.




And now, one of the greatest horror movies of all time: Freaks
















Now, as promised, check out this great documentary on Bela Lugosi.

This documentary is packed with info including Legosi's support of the Communist Party, his reputation as a lady's man, as well as his classic rivalry with Boris Karloff.

Bela was very successful as a young actor in his native Hungary before he came to New York by way of New Orleans. Eventually, he would forever define the role of Dracula before becoming a drug addict, and dying almost forgotten in a Hollywood he had helped to create.













If you are interested in new music, please check out my new CD using the player on the right. If you'd like to purchase my new CD, please pick it up at your favorite online outlet:

Joe Nolan - Blue Turns Black
Amazon
eMusic
Rhapsody
Napster

Thanks!

Be gentle in your sleepy hands on this world.
Be a killer in Heaven.

Love,
Joe Nolan

Check out my profile at Reverb Nation to see my updated press and bio.

Listen to Joe's earlier releases, and enjoy free downloads here!

Support this site! Buy Joe's Music! ...

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