Samhain History and Lore

Merry meet all,

Samhain has a fascinating and long history. Samhain originated with the Celts’ festival. For todays’ Wiccans and Pagans it is known as a Sabbat to honor the ancestors and to contact the spirits in the spirit world with a seance. Now is the time when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest. 

Samhain also refers to the daylight portion of the holiday on November 1st. In the eight century, the Catholic Church transformed Samhain into All Saints Day. They found a way to honor the dead. They celebrated Mass as Allhallowmas-the mass of those who are hallowed. The night of October 31st became All Hallows Eve, and eventually changed into what people now know as Hallowe’en. 

Sunset on Samhain marks the beginning of the Celtic New Year. The old year has passed, and the new one begins. In the past, they gathered their harvest and herded livestock into the barns for the winter. For us modern Witches, reflect on releasing the old and welcoming in the new. We honor those who have gone before us. Now is the ideal time to honor their memories. 

You can celebrate Samhain in three consecutive days just like in the ancient Samhain tradition. Hold a ritual and feast each night. Remember to have fun!

Blessed Be,

Lady Spiderwitch )O(

Related articles

• Samhain: The Origins of Halloween (wholesalehalloweencostumes.com)
• Samhain plans (rainstormskyfire.wordpress.com)