October 31st - Samhain, All Hallows' Eve and Halloween
When things go bump and bumper at night - the Celtic feast of samhain may have changed into modern Halloween, but the core remains the same. In the night during which the dead may walk the earth ...
Samhain - A Very Irish Feast
November 1st was traditionally known as samhain, literally translated the "end of summer" and pronounced something like sow-een. This was the end of the Celtic year, the start of winter, a time for reflection. and part of a sometimes confusing tradition ... culminating in our modern Halloween.
November 1st was traditionally known as samhain, literally translated the "end of summer" and pronounced something like sow-een. This was the end of the Celtic year, the start of winter, a time for reflection. and part of a sometimes confusing tradition ... culminating in our modern Halloween.
Changing Samhain Traditions
Have you ever wondered how the Irish-Celtic feast of samhain became the carnival-like Halloween? Blame the popes, the reformation and European emigration.
Have you ever wondered how the Irish-Celtic feast of samhain became the carnival-like Halloween? Blame the popes, the reformation and European emigration.
An Irish Samhain
With Halloween parades and carnivals entertaining the masses and Irish children going trick-or-treating with plastic pumpkins you might be excused for thinking that the Celtic feast of samhain is dead. But stop ... is this not the night the dead can return? And indeed they do ...
With Halloween parades and carnivals entertaining the masses and Irish children going trick-or-treating with plastic pumpkins you might be excused for thinking that the Celtic feast of samhain is dead. But stop ... is this not the night the dead can return? And indeed they do ...
Samhain Soothsaying
As a traditional Irish Halloween involved staying at home anyway this was the time to have fun and games. Some with a slightly mystical twist - divining the future was important in this samhain night of open channels to the otherworlds. Here are some Irish hints to get a glimpse into the future at Halloween ...
As a traditional Irish Halloween involved staying at home anyway this was the time to have fun and games. Some with a slightly mystical twist - divining the future was important in this samhain night of open channels to the otherworlds. Here are some Irish hints to get a glimpse into the future at Halloween ...
Food, Glorious Halloween Food
What did the Irish eat at samhain? Lots - the larders were full, the year's work was done, time to dig in ... find out what typical Irish Halloween foods you can prepare.
What did the Irish eat at samhain? Lots - the larders were full, the year's work was done, time to dig in ... find out what typical Irish Halloween foods you can prepare.
The History of Samhain
A Pagan and Wiccan perspective of Samhain on About.com.
A Pagan and Wiccan perspective of Samhain on About.com.
Samhain Divination
Samhain is traditionally a time for divination. In many agricultural societies, divination was used to reveal the name of a suitor or potential mate - get the Wiccan and Pagan perspective on this.
Samhain is traditionally a time for divination. In many agricultural societies, divination was used to reveal the name of a suitor or potential mate - get the Wiccan and Pagan perspective on this.
Make a Straw Man for Samhain - Create Your Own King of Winter
This straw man figure can be made to represent the King of Winter. Make him at Samhain as part of your ritual, and then bring him into your home.
This straw man figure can be made to represent the King of Winter. Make him at Samhain as part of your ritual, and then bring him into your home.
Celtic Halloween Beliefs - Samhain
About.com's Ancient History site has more information on Halloween and Samhain.
About.com's Ancient History site has more information on Halloween and Samhain.
Christian All Saints Feast - Celtic Samhain
More on Christian feasts, old beliefs in Samhain and festivals for the spirits of the dead - on About.com's Ancient History site.
More on Christian feasts, old beliefs in Samhain and festivals for the spirits of the dead - on About.com's Ancient History site.