Also known as Halloween, Samhain is a Celtic festival [a Gaelic word pronounced ‘Sah-Win’] originating from Europe and is a festival of the dead.
Dates of Celebration
Northern Hemisphere: 31st Oct - 1st Nov
Southern Hemisphere: 30th April - 1st May
As adults and children celebrate the fun of Halloween on the 31st of October, many may not be aware of the Celtic roots that this holiday stems from.
This festive period marks the end of the Harvest Season and the beginning of Winter and celebrations usually last from sunset on the 31st to sunrise the 1st and this dates back around 2,000 in Celtic Ireland.
It is a time of year where people surround themselves with friends, family and community to mark this historical event, as well as paying homage to those no longer with us, as it’s also a time where the veil is at its thinnest between the worlds.
It'a traditional for people to set the dinner table with a spare place setting for those loved ones to join them and festive food is served to them to honour their spirit.
Whilst the family's ancestors were welcomed in, harmful spirits were warded off.
People would disguise themselves in costumes and headpieces to also ward of unwanted attention and harm. Eventually this stuck around and later became part of Halloween, with people dressing up to celebrate.
Christianity incorporated the honouring of the dead into their Christian calendar, which coincided with All Saints' Day on November 1st.
As the Irish made their way over to America in the 19th century, so did their traditions and the American people were influenced by this and soon became one of the major events of the year.
The carving of the pumpkins was a Harvest tradition from America that also became popular with Halloween as well.
Although this is a time most often celebrated, it is also a time for reflection, self care and if you're magically inclined, a time to practice your craft, spirituality, bathe in the moonlight or hold rituals.
There are many ways to enjoy this time of year and however you decide to do so is perfect for you.
Whether you're sticking to something more traditional or something new, here are some ideas I'd like to share.
⚱︎ Light a candle for loved ones
⚱︎ Visit ancestor gravesites
⚱︎ Cleanse crystals under the moon
⚱︎ Practice divination
⚱︎ Let go of what no longer serves you
⚱︎ Spend time cultivating your magic
So, Witch, how do you like to celebrate?