Written by Blu Campbell

Graphic by Kait Patton

Before there was Halloween, there was Samhain. Samhain (pronounced SOW-win) is a holiday with Celtic origins. The length of the celebration has been debated, but it’s generally said to be around three days and three nights, starting at dusk on Oct. 31. In 2024, it’s being celebrated from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Samhain marks the halfway point between the fall equinox and winter solstice, a time believed to be where the veil between the human and spirit realms is lifted.

Samhain was the precursor to a lot of modern Halloween traditions. For example, carving pumpkins originally started as carving gourds, which people of the time did so to keep spirits at bay. Trick-or-treating started as a way to appease the spirits, who would cast bad luck on a household if the offering left for them wasn’t good enough. Celts also dressed up as animals or monsters so that fairies weren’t tempted to kidnap them. In the Middle Ages, they also held large bonfires for a similar reason.

As Christianity continued to spread in the Celtic region, Christians decided to paint Samhain as a Christian holiday rather than a pagan one. During the Middle Ages, the Celtic region included Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany (Northwest France), Cornwall (Southwest England), and the Western fringes of Europe. In the 5th century, Pope Boniface moved the celebration to May 13, saying it was a day for saints and martyrs. However, the fire festivals during October and November still remained. Then, in the 9th century, Pope Gregory moved the celebration back to the time of the fire festivals, but renamed it All Saints Day, which occurred on Nov. 1, with All Souls Day happening on Nov. 2. While they sound similar, All Saints Day is to celebrate the saints and martyrs of Christian History, and All Souls Day is to remember those who have passed in the Christian faith. These traditions came to America in the 19th century, when large numbers of Irish immigrants started coming across the ocean.

While there are a variety of ways to celebrate Samhain depending on your individual beliefs and practices, here’s several of the most common ways:

Decorating an Altar

An altar is generally used as a place of offerings in spiritual or religious practices. Using the colors typically associated with the fall season (deep purples, burgundy, dark oranges, and black,) you can add some dimension to your altar. Many people use dark clothes and dark colored candles to welcome in the spirits. If you wish to connect to the dead, consider adding skulls or ghost figures.

Carving Pumpkins

Just like Halloween, one of the ways to celebrate Samhain is carving pumpkins. If you can get some gourds and smaller pumpkins, think about placing them on your altar.

Create a Prayer Circle

Samhain is about connecting with our ancestors and honoring the dead, so pick out a few prayers and let those who have passed know you’re keeping their memory alive. If you don’t know who specifically to connect with, you can keep your prayers general. If you don’t pray, you can connect with your loved ones who have passed however is most comfortable for you.

Bake Soul Cakes

Soul cakes are a dessert used as a gift for the spirits. Pagans would put them on their altars so that the dead could have a treat. But don’t fret, the dessert can also be enjoyed by people who are still alive. If your particular celebration doesn’t involve the dead, you can also make pumpkin bread!

You don’t have to follow the Samhain rituals — new or old — to a T. It’s all about your personal celebration and what resonates with you. Honor your loved ones and those who came before you in whatever way suits you. Remember to honor the Earth. Happy Samhain!

The History of Samhain