Samhain Origins and Traditions

Samhain is a traditional religious holiday with Gaelic, Pagan, and Druid roots. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter; which is why it is considered Witches' New Year or Celtic New Year. The festival of Samhain has a rich history of origin and traditions. It is traditionally celebrated through sundown October 31st into November 1st. Samhain is a time for remembering the dead, and for honoring ancestors. Celebrations typically are characterized by a large feast of fall harvest ingredients. It is also a time for divination and for connecting with the spirit world as it is said the realms between physical and spiritual are the thinnest at this time.

There are many different traditions associated with Samhain. Some common traditions include:

• Telling stories about the dead. Samhain is a time to remember the dead, and to tell stories about their lives. These stories can be passed down through generations, and they help to keep the memory of the dead alive.

• Set an empty dinner plate for loved ones who have passed. Make sure to set an empty place at the table for any spirits that you want to invite to the meal. Once seated for dinner, make sure to serve the spirits first.

• Performing divination rituals. Samhain is a time when the veil between the worlds is said to be thin, and this makes it a good time for divination. People may use meditations, astral projection, tarot cards, runes, or other methods to try to see into the future or communicate with the dead.

• Wear costumes and masks. Similar to its sister holiday Halloween; Samhain is a time when people often dress up in costumes and masks. This is thought to be a way of honoring the dead, and of connecting with the spirit world.

• Eat traditional foods. There are many traditional foods that are eaten at Samhain. Some common foods include root vegetables, apples, nuts, dark wine and bread, and game meats. These foods are thought to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

• Go on a nature walk and on this walk sends deep gratitude to nature and the gifts it brings you. Bring out a bit of your Samhain wine or bread, leave an offering for the Nature Spirits.

• Make a straw-person after giving your offering to the Spirits. Pick up loose pieces of hay, grass, and twigs and use twine to shape and form a small hay doll. Make up a new place at the dinner table, serve with the other spirit plates. Keep this at your altar until you can burn it at your Beltane Celebration.

• Have bonfires. Bonfires are a common sight at Samhain celebrations. They are thought to be a way of warding off evil spirits, and of welcoming the dead back to the world of the living. Or maybe you have a bad habit you would like to write down and burn away in the Samhain fire.

If you are planning on celebrating this year check out my post on Samhain Recipes and in-depth ritual/tradition ideas. Samhain is a time of both celebration and reflection. It is a time to remember the dead, and to honor ancestors. It is also a time to connect with the spirit world, and to seek guidance for the coming year. So whether you light the Samhain bonfire or serve a plate to your ancestors, take time to reflect and give respects to the world and the after-world this Samhain!