One theory holds that many Halloween traditions were influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, which are believed to have pagan roots. It begins the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints ( hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed. Halloween or Hallowe'en (less commonly known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve) is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Saints' Day. Samhain, Hop-tu-Naa, Calan Gaeaf, Allantide, Day of the Dead, Reformation Day, All Saints' Day, Mischief Night ( cf. Trick-or-treating, costume parties, making jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, divination, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions.Ĭhurch services, prayer, fasting, and vigil Men paraded around with noisemakers and the tradition of ‘dumb supper’ began.Western Christians and many non-Christians around the world In Wales, men tossed burning wood at each other in violent games and set off Samhain fireworks. This is also when the tradition of Jack O’Lanterns began, but before they were pumpkins, they were turnips - some of which looked exceptionally creepy. Bonfires known as Samghnagans, more personal at-home fires became a tradition, used to protect families from witches and fairies. Samhain in the Middle AgesĪs the Middle Ages progressed, so did Samhain. Anyone who committed a crime or used their weapons during the celebration faced a death sentence. However, some early texts state that Samhain was a mandatory celebration, and if community members did not show up, it was believed that it resulted in punishments from the gods in the form of illness or death. Sounds lovely, a true representation of life given from the hard work of the community. Cattle were sacrificed, and participants took a flame from the communal bonfire back to their homes to relight their hearths. The wheel was important and symbolic, representing the sun. During this time, hearths were hot in family homes and were left to burn out while the harvest was gathered.Īfter the harvest work was finished, celebrants of Samhain joined with a Druid priest, lighting a community fire using a wheel that caused friction and flames. The ancient Celts marked Samhain as the most significant of the four quarterly ‘fire festivals,’ taking place at the midpoint between the fall equinox and winter solstice. These prophecies were an important source of comfort during the long, cold winter. In addition to damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of otherworldly spirits made it easier for Druids or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. The harvest also marked the start of darker times, and the tradition included costumes and bonfires to ward off the spirits of the dark since the winter was often associated with human death. A successful harvest meant survival through the harsh winter months. The time of the harvest was one of the most important in ancient times. Spend some spooky time on a tour with US Ghost Adventures! Ancient Samhain With roots all the way back to early Celtic tribes and druids, let’s dive into the start of Samhain and learn which of its customs and traditions have stood the test of time. One of the most important parts of Samhain is the belief that the barriers between the physical and spiritual worlds break down during this time and allows for unbridled interaction between living people and spirits or entities of the other side. In modern times, this is usually celebrated from October 31st to November 1st. The purpose of this festival, or holiday, or to welcome the harvest and usher in the darker half of the year. The historic roots of Halloween started with Samhain – pronounced ‘SOW-win,’ a pagan religious festival that originated from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition.
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