Saint Astrid's Day

From Ditjes&Datjes

On this day, the 18th of September, people commemorate the martyr death of Saint Astrid by going on pilgrimage to her grave or shrines dedicated to her. Many people also pray to the Saint, asking her to welcome their loved ones in to her arms.

In more backward villages people believe that on this night, called Silmain, the dead return to the land of the living for a meal. This is a joyful occasion, although it is said that not paying the proper respects could lead to the dead eating that year's harvest instead of a ceremonial meal. Some Aedonian scholars claim that the origin of this feast lies with a primitive harvest festival called Silme Yaavan or Moonlight Harvest, and was dedicated to the goddess Selene. They also claim that those still secretly worshipping this goddess use necromancy to bring their loved ones back from the dead during this night to have intercourse with them.