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 the pre-Christian times of the Celts and was celebrated mainly 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 the present day.
2. The meaning of the name “Samhain”
The name "Samhain" is derived from Old Irish and means something like "end of summer" (from "sam" for summer and "fuin" for end). Samhain was therefore the time when the end of the warm season and the beginning of the dark, cold winter months were heralded. The word therefore has a deep symbolic meaning and marks the transition not only in the physical sense, but also in the spiritual and ritual life of people.
3. Origin and cultural background
In addition to the agricultural changes, Samhain was also considered a spiritual moment when the boundaries between the world of the living and the dead became 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 old witch or goddess of winter. It is said that at Samhain she took power over the earth and began the reign of winter.
Samhain was also a festival to honor the dead. In Celtic belief, the souls of the deceased returned 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 drive away the darkness and appease the spirits. There were many fire rituals that symbolized both protection from the spirits and the blessing of the gods for the coming year.
5. Incense at Samhain
Smoking is an important part of the Samhain celebrations, as it symbolically represents the cleansing of the room and the soul. It is often done 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 other world.
Myrrh and frankincense: These resins are often used to honor ancestors and spirits.
Burning smudges is about consciously entering the moment and connecting to the spiritual world. Many practitioners cleanse their rooms 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 different ways in modern times, especially in neopagan and Wiccan communities. However, the festival has also left its mark on many Halloween customs. Some of the 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 protection during the winter. Modern practitioners often light candles or small fires to connect with ancestors and drive away the darkness.
Altars for the ancestors: Many people set up an ancestral altar at Samhain, on which photos, personal items of the deceased or gifts such as food and drink are placed. This altar serves to honor the ancestors and ask for their protection and blessing.
Divination and fortune telling: Since the veils between the worlds are thin, Samhain is an ideal time to read tarot cards, cast runes, or use other divination techniques. You look for messages for the coming year and reflect on the past.
Celebrations 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 dishes.
7. Samhain in the festival circle of the witches
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 the one to come. It is also a good time for magical work that has to do with closure, transformation and new beginnings.
During the Samhain festival, witches especially 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 to overcome the fear of death as an integral part of life.
Conclusion: Samhain – A Festival of Transitions and Remembrance