Samhain (pronounced sow-win) is an ancient Celtic pagan festival that marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter—the dark half of the year. Those who partook in the traditions and rituals believed that the barrier between the physical world and the spiritual world was broken during this time.
Communal bonfires were lit in order to burn sacrifices to the gods for protection against evil otherworldly spirits. Offerings were also left out in the villages for those spirits of deceased relatives believed to have returned for a visit.
The Celts dressed in disguise as monsters or animals so that fairies would not be tempted to kidnap them. Masks were a popular choice. This ancient tradition slowly evolved into the costumes we now adorn today for Halloween!
Another ritual used to repel evil spirits (and guide lost ones) was the carving of turnips. Before pumpkins became the symbol of Halloween, the Celts would carve the frightening faces into turnips from the harvest.
As these Pagan traditions eventually became attached to the Catholic church, they became more secularized and developed into the festivities we now partake in today. However, there are still people who recognize Samhain for the connection it has to the seasons and the spiritual world. In fact, there is a large Samhain festival, The Púca Festival, that takes place each year in Ireland’s Ancient East (Trim and Athboy)! It is on this year from Oct. 31st-Nov. 3rd.
So, if you’re wanting to connect with the true spirit of Samhain, you can check out the full festival program at https://pucafestival.com.
Learn more about Samhain:
Gabby Dunne was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, and never left the States before meeting her Irish husband on the Vegas Strip. She moved to Dublin a year later and has been here for 12 years. She has one son and two stepchildren, and she works in early intervention for neurodiverse children. Gabby joined the AWCD in 2023 and is 'finally reconnecting with [her] American side!'
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