1. Origin of Samhain
Samhain, pronounced "Sow-en" (Irish Gaelic), is one of the oldest and most important festivals in the Celtic calendar. It marks the end of the harvest year and the beginning of the Celtic New Year. Samhain dates back to pre-Christian Celtic times and was celebrated primarily in Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of Celtic Europe. The festival dates back over 2,000 years and symbolized a profound change of seasons: the transition from summer to winter, from light to darkness.
Samhain traditionally took place on October 31st and often lasted several days, with the actual celebrations beginning on the night of October 31st to November 1st. It was considered a liminal time when the barrier between the physical and spiritual worlds was particularly thin. This belief shaped many of the rituals and customs that have been passed down to this day.
2. The meaning of the name “Samhain”
The name "Samhain" is derived from Old Irish and roughly translates as "summer's end" (from "sam" for summer and "fuin" for end). Samhain also marked the end of the warm season and the beginning of the dark, cold winter months. The word thus has deep symbolic meaning, marking transition not only in the physical sense, but also in people's spiritual and ritual lives.
3. Origin and cultural background
In addition to the agricultural transformation, Samhain was also considered a spiritual moment, when the boundaries between the world of the living and the dead were blurred. The Celts believed that the dead could wander through the world of the living during this time. For this reason, many rituals arose to honor or appease the spirits.
In Celtic culture, there was no clear distinction between the realm of the living and that of the dead—the dead could exist in the everyday lives of the living, especially during the time of Samhain. This gave rise to many customs, such as lighting fires and dressing up to protect oneself from evil spirits.
4. Beliefs and mythology surrounding Samhain
Another important figure in Celtic mythology was the "Cailleach," the ancient witch or goddess of winter. It is said that at Samhain, she took control of the earth and began the reign of winter.
Samhain was also a festival honoring the dead. In Celtic beliefs, the souls of the deceased return to their homes to celebrate with their families. Food was provided for them, and altars were decorated in their honor.
In early Ireland, large fires were lit at Samhain to dispel the darkness and appease the spirits. There were many fire rituals that symbolized both protection from the spirits and the blessings of the gods for the coming year.
5. Incense burning at Samhain
Incense burning is an important part of Samhain celebrations, as it symbolically represents the cleansing of space and the soul. It is often performed with herbs and resins that represent transition and protection. The following herbs and resins are particularly suitable for Samhain:
Mugwort: Represents protection and purification, especially helpful in keeping evil spirits away.
Sage : Traditionally used to dispel negative energies and create purity.
Juniper: Provides spiritual protection and strengthens the connection to the otherworld.
Myrrh and frankincense: These resins are often used to honor ancestors and spirits.
Burning smudges is about consciously entering the moment and establishing a connection with the spiritual world. Many practitioners cleanse their spaces before beginning the ritual and use the opportunity to manifest wishes for the coming year or ask the ancestors for their blessings.
6. Rituals and customs at Samhain
Samhain is celebrated in many ways in modern times, particularly in Neopagan and Wiccan communities. However, the festival has also left its mark on many Halloween customs. Some traditional and modern practices include:
Fire ceremonies : Fire played a central role in the ancient Samhain festival. The Celts lit large bonfires to honor the sun and ask for winter protection. Modern practitioners often light candles or small fires to connect with ancestors and dispel the darkness.
Altars for the Ancestors: Many people set up an ancestral altar at Samhain, where they place photos, personal belongings of the deceased, or offerings such as food and drink. This altar serves to honor the ancestors and ask for their protection and blessing.
Divination and fortune-telling: Because the veils between the worlds are thin, Samhain is an ideal time for reading tarot cards, casting runes, or using other divination techniques. People seek messages for the coming year and reflect on the past.
Feasts and Food: Traditionally, a large feast was prepared, with a place reserved for the deceased. Dishes such as pumpkin soup, bread, apples, and nuts are among the typical foods.
7. Samhain in the witches' festival
The eight annual festivals in the Celtic year:
Samhain October 31
Ancestor festival, beginning of the Celtic year
Jul 21 December
Winter Solstice - Rebirth of Light
Imbolc February 1st
Festival of Lights, Return of the Sun
Ostara March 19–23
Spring equinox - balance of light and darkness, fertility
Beltaine 30 April
Fertility festival, beginning of summer
Litha June 21
Summer solstice - highest point of the sun
Lughnasadh August 1st
First harvest, gratitude
Mabon 21–23 September
Autumnal equinox - harvest time, balance of day and night
Samhain marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one and is therefore known as the "Witches' New Year." During this period, many witches reflect on the past year, say goodbye to old energies, and prepare for what's to come. It's also a good time for magical work involving closure, transformation, and new beginnings.
During the Samhain festival, witches particularly honor the Goddess in her form as the "Crone" (Old Wise One) and the God as Lord of Death and the Afterlife. These archetypes symbolize the natural cycle of decay and renewal and help overcome the fear of death as an integral part of life.