Samhain: The Origins of Halloween and How to Celebrate
Samhain: The Origins of Halloween and How to Celebrate
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It’s that time of year again when the days grow shorter, the nights get longer, and the veil between worlds feels a little thinner. (Except it is still over 100 degrees in Las Vegas because what is my life.)
Samhain (pronounced “Sow-win”) is one of the most ancient festivals in the Celtic tradition, deeply rooted in pagan rituals and seasonal cycles. Originating in what is now modern-day Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year.
The word "Samhain" translates roughly to “summer’s end,” and its traditions are deeply tied to the earth's seasonal changes. Here’s a deeper look at its origins, myths, and some ideas for how you can celebrate it today.
Samhain: The Origin Story
Samhain was a major festival in ancient Celtic culture, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
It was believed that during Samhain, the boundary between the world of the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to cross over more easily. The Celts saw this as both an opportunity to honor the dead and a time to be cautious of the spirits that might cause harm.
Bonfires were a central part of the Samhain festivities. People gathered around them to celebrate the harvest, light up the dark, and guide the spirits back to their realm. Costumes were worn—often made of animal hides or simple masks—to avoid being recognized by wandering spirits.
Ancient Celts also believed that during Samhain, gods would walk among humans. It was common for people to leave offerings of food and drink outside their homes to ensure a good harvest for the following year and to appease these wandering spirits. This practice of leaving treats eventually contributed to the custom of trick-or-treating, where offerings are exchanged to keep the mischief at bay.
The practice of carving lanterns also comes from Samhain. Originally, people carved turnips and placed candles inside to ward off malevolent spirits. The Irish legend of Stingy Jack, who tricked the Devil and was cursed to wander the earth with only a carved turnip to light his way, is where we get the term "jack-o'-lantern." When Irish immigrants brought these traditions to America, pumpkins, which were more readily available, became the norm.
As Christianity spread (o no), the church adapted Samhain into All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows’ Day) on November 1, with the evening before becoming All Hallows’ Eve, eventually known as Halloween.
Despite these changes, many of the original customs continued, from the bonfires to the practice of leaving offerings for spirits, and even the carving of jack-o'-lanterns.
Samhain Myths
Samhain is rich with myth and folklore that adds depth to its significance.
Here are some of the notable myths associated with Samhain:
1. The Morrigan and the Dagda
One of the most important myths associated with Samhain is the story of the Morrigan and the Dagda. The Morrigan is known as the goddess of battle, fate, and sovereignty, while the Dagda is considered a father god, representing strength, abundance, and protection. Their union on the eve of Samhain is a powerful symbol of balance, the merging of dark and light forces to ensure prosperity and protection for the coming winter months.
According to legend, the Morrigan and the Dagda met at a place called the Bed of the Couple, located near the River Unius. The Morrigan was preparing for battle against the Fomorians, a formidable supernatural race, and the Dagda sought her favor and guidance. The Dagda brought with him a porridge made of milk, flour, and fat, symbolizing nourishment and hospitality. The Morrigan accepted his offering, and they lay together, sealing a pact that would strengthen both their powers and the land itself.
Their union was more than just a romantic or physical connection—it represented a sacred bond between the forces of life and death, war and peace. The Morrigan, as a goddess of fate and sovereignty, was seen as the protector of the land, and her union with the Dagda ensured that the land would be fertile and protected for the coming year.
(The Morrigan also used this moment to share crucial information with the Dagda about the battles to come, helping to secure victory for the Tuatha Dé Danann against their enemies. Her power as a prophetess and guide during Samhain speaks to the deep, mystical energy present during this festival.)
2. The Tale of Fionn mac Cumhaill
Another myth involves the legendary hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool). It was said that on Samhain, the portal to the Otherworld would open at the Hill of Tara, and Fionn would have to protect the people from Aillen, a fire-breathing creature who emerged from the Otherworld every year to burn down Tara. Aillen would play enchanting music to put everyone to sleep before setting fire to the hill, making it nearly impossible for anyone to defend against him.
Fionn, determined to break this cycle, prepared himself with a unique strategy. He used a special spear known as the Birga, which had the power to keep him awake. When Aillen began playing his music, Fionn pressed the sharp, cold tip of the spear against his forehead, resisting the magic and staying awake. As Aillen approached to set fire to Tara, Fionn launched the spear and struck Aillen, defeating him once and for all.
Fionn's victory not only saved Tara but also marked his emergence as a leader of the Fianna, a group of elite warriors. This myth demonstrates the themes of courage, cunning, and perseverance that are closely tied to Samhain. It also symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, as Fionn's ability to resist the sleep-inducing music and defend his people mirrored the resilience needed during the darker half of the year.
3. The Fairies of the Sidhe
The Sidhe (pronounced “shee”), or fairies, were believed to be particularly active during Samhain. The Celts believed that the Sidhe could easily cross into the human world during this time, and while some fairies were benevolent, others could be mischievous or even dangerous. To protect themselves, people would leave offerings of food and drink to the Sidhe, hoping to appease them and avoid their tricks or harm.
Fairy mounds, also known as "sidhe," were considered sacred places where the fairies resided. During Samhain, it was thought that these mounds opened, allowing fairies to travel freely between worlds. People were careful not to disturb these mounds, as angering the fairies could lead to misfortune. Some believed that the Sidhe would abduct mortals who wandered too close to their dwellings, taking them to the Otherworld. To avoid drawing their attention, people would dress in costumes or disguises to blend in with the fairies and avoid their tricks.
There were also stories of "fairy hosts," groups of spirits or fairies that roamed the countryside during Samhain, seeking mortals to bring back to the Otherworld. This belief inspired the practice of lighting bonfires and leaving offerings to keep the fairies at bay. It was also common for people to carry charms or wear protective amulets to ward off the influence of the Sidhe during this time.
4. Nera’s Journey to the Otherworld
One lesser-known but fascinating Samhain myth is the tale of Nera. During Samhain, Nera, a warrior in the service of King Ailill, was challenged to tie a withy around the foot of a hanged man. When he accepted, strange events began to unfold. As soon as Nera completed the task, the dead man opened his eyes, and Nera was suddenly pulled into a surreal journey.
Nera found himself in a version of the Otherworld, a place that seemed to overlap with his own. He witnessed the fortress of Cruachan, the seat of King Ailill, engulfed in flames, and saw hordes of spirits roaming freely. In this ghostly version of the world, Nera was taken to a house where he encountered beings of the Otherworld who showed him the future destruction of Cruachan if precautions were not taken.
In this Otherworldly realm, Nera was tasked with delivering a message back to King Ailill to prevent the dire fate he had witnessed. He was allowed to live with a fairy woman during his time in the Otherworld, and she bore him a son. The time Nera spent in the Otherworld, however, was vastly different from the time that had passed in his own world—what seemed like days to Nera had been many weeks in his realm.
Nera eventually returned to the human world, bearing the warning and proof of his journey, including treasures from the Otherworld. This tale speaks to the mysterious and unpredictable nature of Samhain, a time when boundaries between worlds are thin, allowing mortals to interact with the supernatural. It also reinforces the belief that actions taken during Samhain have lasting consequences and that the unseen world has a significant impact on our reality.
Ways to Celebrate Samhain
Samhain is still an incredibly powerful time for reflection, transformation, and connection. If you’re new to witchcraft or just looking for some ideas on how to celebrate, here are some ways to honor this sacred night:
1. Set Up an Ancestor Altar
One of the core elements of Samhain is connecting with your ancestors. Set up a small altar with photos, mementos, or anything that represents your lineage. Light candles in their honor and leave offerings of food or drink. Take time to reflect on where you come from and the people who paved your way.
2. Practice Divination
With the veil between worlds at its thinnest, Samhain is the perfect time for divination. Use tarot cards, oracle cards, or a pendulum to gain insight into the year ahead.
Even if you’re just starting out, a simple one-card pull can help you tap into the energy of the season.
PS: I would not recommend trying to “speak to the other side” via a Oujia board, etc, without an experienced practitioner present. When in doubt, use your common sense, please. :)
3. Hold a Fire Ritual
Channel the energy of the original bonfires with your own fire ritual.
Light a candle or, if possible, build a small fire in a safe space. Write down what you want to let go of—old habits, fears, or anything holding you back—and burn the paper. This symbolizes release and making space for new growth.
4. Host a Silent Supper
Consider holding a "dumb supper," a meal eaten in silence to honor the dead.
Set a place at the table for your ancestors or loved ones who have passed. Use this time for quiet reflection and remembrance.
5. Shadow Work and Self-Reflection
Samhain marks the end of the Celtic year, making it an ideal time for shadow work—exploring and integrating the parts of ourselves we often ignore.
Journal about your fears, insecurities, or things you’d like to change. Use this reflective energy to focus on personal growth.
6. Feast on Seasonal Foods
Celebrate the harvest by cooking a meal with seasonal produce like pumpkins, apples, and root vegetables. Enjoy it with friends, family, or even on your own as an offering to yourself for everything you’ve accomplished this year.
Gratitude is key—acknowledge the abundance in your life.
7. Cleanse and Protect Your Space
Since the veil is thin, it’s a good time to cleanse and protect your space from unwanted energies.
Use sage (ethically sourced, or not at all!!), palo santo, or incense to cleanse your home, and follow up with protective herbs like rosemary or salt at doors and windows to keep your space safe.
See below for some of the tools I use in my own rituals.
Embracing the Spirit of Samhain
Whether you’re diving into deep rituals or simply lighting a candle and reflecting, Samhain invites us to honor the cycles of life and death, the seen and unseen, and everything in between.
It is a time to celebrate what has been harvested in our lives, let go of what no longer serves us, and prepare for the winter months ahead. (And for those of us in Vegas, sweltering, it cannot come soon enough! Ugh.)
Halloween might have evolved to be all about fun costumes and candy, but Samhain goes deeper, reminding us to embrace both the joys of life and the inevitability of transformation.
Light a candle, put on some moody music, and make this Samhain your own.
Blessed be.
Samhain Finds | Curated by Hannah
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Books
The Fairy Faith in Ireland: History, Tradition, and Modern Pagan Practice (Celtic Pagan Practice)
Samhain: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Halloween (Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials Book 6)
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