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History of Samhain
What cultures does Samhain come from?
Ancient Ireland and Scotland
The ancient Celts lit bonfires and opened portals to the divine. Drinks, meats, divination, fairies, and dearly departed were celebrated on a day between the worlds.
Funny story: Samhain is just one name for the huge number of Spiritual & Ancestral celebrations around the world. The Celtic name stuck during the Witchcraft Revival.
Am I allowed to celebrate Samhain if I’m not Celtic?
Long story short: Yes.
- As many Witches know, and now science supports, our DNA carries the memories of everyone who made us who we are today.
- You may have DNA from a culture that doesn’t represent who you associate with today.
- You may have Irish or Scottish ancestry which would call you to celebrate Celtic traditions.
We love to tell everyone to follow their own guidance, follow their own energy, and, if you’re called to, follow their ancestry. Learn anything you’re called to learn and then respect what you have learned and experienced. Respect is key.
What are other names for Samhain?
Similar Holidays
These are other similar spiritual- and ancestor-centric holidays that occur around this day that may resonate more with your ancestral history:
- All Hallow’s Eve, England, Universal 🏴
- Dia de los Muertos, Mexico & Latin America 🇲🇽
- Dzień Zaduszny, Poland 🇵🇱
- Fed Gede, Haiti 🇭🇹
- Halloween, America, England, Universal 🇺🇸
- Ognissanti, Italy 🇮🇹
- Pangangaluluwa, The Philipines 🇵🇭
- Seleenwoche, Austria 🇦🇹
- The Witches New Year, Modern Universalism 🔮
Samhain Correspondences
Goddesses and Gods
Cerridwen, Hecate, Hel, The Morrigan, Thanatos
Colors
Orange, Black, Purple
Herbs, Oils, and Incenses
Cinnamon, clove, patchouli
Foods
Apples, meats, potatoes, pumpkins, turnips
Symbols
Acorn, cats, familiars, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, scrying items, scythes
Theme
Witches’ New Year, Ancestor Remembrance, New Beginnings, Psychic Abilities
