What is Samhain?

Samhain, pronounced "sow-in," is a historically significant and ancient Celtic festival that dates back over 2,000 years. This Gaelic festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was a time when the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin, allowing spirits and otherworldly beings to interact with the mortal realm.

At its core, Samhain was a celebration of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. The Celts believed that on this night, the spirits of their ancestors would return to visit, and they would light bonfires and leave offerings to welcome and appease these otherworldly guests.

Samhain also played a crucial role in the agricultural calendar. It was a time to assess food supplies for the coming winter, slaughter livestock that couldn't be fed through the colder months, and store provisions. The bones of these animals were often cast into the Samhain bonfires, a practice believed to protect against malevolent spirits.

Over time, as Christianity spread throughout the Celtic lands, Samhain evolved into what we now know as Halloween. Many of the traditions associated with Samhain, such as costumes, jack-o'-lanterns, and the concept of wandering spirits, were incorporated into the Christianized holiday.