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It's now time to think about our Samhain rituals, activities and celebrations, both spiritual and secular. Of all the modern pagan-related holidays this one stands out: if you observe nothing else you probably are participating in something related to Samhain.

What type of celebration do you observe?
What do you feel is the significance of the holiday?

For the last few years I've buried an apple on the side of the road, and I try to hit a bonfire if I can.

I do, Havenne. Although I'm not very experienced with speaking to those who have made the transition to the spirit world, I will say I've had my encounters. Peaceful ones, for the majority.

Personally I hold no traditions, as this is the first Samhain I've had as a Wiccan. Akabi Yoru's tradition inspires me to follow suit, as soon as I have my own place and am able to do so without having negative comments from others in the house.

As far as decorations go, besides regular Autumn stuff, does anyone have any ideas for Pagan-specific decorations? Like maybe a pentacle made out of wood decorated with Fall leaves?

I've been thinking about Swiftfoots' request for pagan-specific decorations ... Thinking of the seasonal displays I have seen in pagan homes I would generalize what people do as showing attachment to the natural world: leaves, fruit, flowers, wreaths. They treasure the homemade, the handmade, the introspective and thoughtful. Yes, there will often be the pagan symbols we know, like the pentacle, but it will be delineated in materials appropriate to the occasion, such as the pieces of wood Swiftfoot was thinking of. If I had to overgeneralize, pagans make their own seasonal decorations or get them from a craftsperson.

By craftspeople I am thinking of things made by artisans who have a chosen medium. For example I have an eclectic collection of handmade Yule-tree ornaments, each made by someone in a material they specialize in: scroll-cut wood, woven dry reed, strung beads, glass pieces, sculpey. All sorts of things. Let's just say my Yule tree doesn't have a color scheme or an obvious decorating pattern other than handmade! I have a couple ornaments that we hang with suction cups from a window that are made of colored glass, not necessarily all fitted into a 'stained glass' pattern, just pieces glued up. I'm thinking this might be what you were contemplating trying for yourself.

One of my favorite year-round pagan pieces is a pentacle made from dried grapevine and twigs, gotten some years ago at a craft show I attended while visiting away from home. My altar vessels, the chalice, incense holder and plates were made by ceramicist who sells at a local craft show. I have two pieces that are 'blessings', sort of like good luck charms that hang on the wall, that are wheat-stalk weavings. These latter are sealed into shadow boxes so they keep.

Good quality shows are great places to find fabulous things.

I'm going to take a quick aside to point out a couple of personal things. I'm an adult. In RL I work in the hard sciences and have my own house, have a family and so on. This does translate to resources - I can go buy things and I've had a long time to collect things, years and years. I do try to remember that not everyone is as old or has the same access to choices.

Let's leave aside Yule for the moment; in a few weeks it will be much more on our minds.
Holiday decorations and celebrations don't have to empty our pockets; in fact anti-materialism is part of my ethos. I like handmade things and have hunted up goodies from Arts and Crafts Shows or make my own. My altars often have little stones on them, carried back from all sorts of places, bones, feathers and natural mementos. Items may only have meaning to you . . . and that's all that matters.

I'll post ritual details as the day goes on and I go about my personal Samhain.