Understanding Samhain: The Roots of Halloween

Samhain. Everyone pronounces it differently (I usually go with “sow-in,” but I’ve heard “sah-vun” too), and everyone has a slightly different idea of what it is. For some, it’s a pagan festival; for others, it’s basically Halloween’s moody ancestor. For many in the witchy or folk-leaning community, it’s that magical, liminal time when the nights draw in, and you can feel something in the air shift.

The Essence of Samhain

When people ask me, “So, what’s Samhain really about?” I always want to say: well, it depends on where in Britain you’re looking and when. Folklore is messy. Traditions layer on top of one another like autumn leaves: a bit Celtic, a bit medieval Christian, a lot of good old-fashioned rural practicality, and then a sprinkling of Victorian romanticism for good measure. But the heart of it is simple: Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the start of winter. It’s the time when we finish gathering in and prepare ourselves for the dark half of the year.

Fire, Masks, and a Touch of Mischief

One thing that crops up again and again in the records (and in stories from our grandparents and great-grandparents) is fire. Huge bonfires were lit on hilltops, sometimes called “need-fires.” The smoke was believed to protect people and cattle, which makes sense if you think about how fragile winter survival once was. Some families even carried embers home from the communal fire to relight their own hearths for the year ahead.

Then there’s the dressing up. We might call it guising, mumming, or just masking, depending on where you’re from. Children, and sometimes adults, went from door to door in disguise, singing, reciting, or even performing little plays. The disguises weren’t just for fun; in some stories, they were meant to confuse or impersonate spirits wandering about at Samhain. Food, drink, or little gifts were given in return. Sound familiar? Yes, trick-or-treating’s roots are right there.

Dressing up for Halloween is nothing new!

Cakes for Souls and Lanterns in the Dark

In England, particularly the North and Midlands, there’s a lovely (and slightly eerie) custom called souling. Children and the poor would go from door to door asking for soul-cakes in return for prayers for the departed. And of course, the lanterns. These weren’t pumpkins; those came later with Irish and Scottish immigrants in America. In Britain, it was turnips, mangel-wurzels, or beets, hollowed out with a face carved into them. They were set in windows or carried about to ward off spirits or sometimes just to scare the neighbors!

The Thin Veil and a Seat at the Table

Samhain is one of those liminal times, the “in-between” days. Folklore says the boundary between the living and the dead was thin, and the dead could slip back to visit. In some households, especially in Scotland and Ireland, there was the dumb supper: a silent meal laid for the ancestors. A place was set, a candle lit, and food offered.

It wasn’t just about honoring the dead, though. This was also the time for divination: peeling apples to see the initials of your future spouse, tossing nuts into the fire to test love matches, or gazing into mirrors by candlelight (not for the faint-hearted!). Little rituals, yes, but they gave people a sense of hope and connection as the dark set in.

Folklore, Faith, and the Long Shadow of the Church

Now, some people will tell you that Samhain was a great Druidic festival, with priestly rites and sacrifices. Honestly? We don’t have solid evidence for that. Much of what we “know” about Druids comes from classical writers and Victorian imagination.

What we do know is that the Church overlaid its own festivals here. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day fall on 1–2 November. The old and the new blended: souling fits beautifully into Christian theology, but it also carries that older logic of feeding wandering spirits. In practice, folk didn’t separate them out; they just did both.

Pumpkins are much easier to carve than turnips...

Why It Matters Today

So why does any of this matter now? Well, if you’re like me, folklore isn’t about pinning down “what really happened.” It’s about connecting to how ordinary people marked their lives and seasons. When I carve a pumpkin (yes, I’ve given up on the turnip — have you ever tried to hollow one out?), or light a candle for my Dad at Samhain, I’m not pretending I’m an Iron Age priestess. I’m joining a chain of people who, in one way or another, used this night to mark endings and beginnings.

If you want to try it yourself, here are a few gentle ways:

• Lay a place for your ancestors at dinner.

• Light a candle in the window.

• Try a bit of old-fashioned divination (apple-peel, nuts, cards if that’s your thing).

• Read some ghost stories, or better still, ask your family for the ones they remember.

  
  

It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Samhain, at its heart, is about pausing at the threshold, between summer and winter, light and dark, life and death.

Embracing the Spirit of Samhain

As we embrace this time of year, let’s remember the significance of Samhain. It’s a moment to reflect on the past and honor those who have come before us. The traditions we carry forward are not just rituals; they are connections to our history and culture.

Samhain invites us to acknowledge the cycles of life and death. It teaches us to appreciate the beauty of change and the importance of remembrance. As we gather with loved ones, let’s share stories and create new memories that honor the spirit of this ancient festival.

In conclusion, Samhain is more than just a celebration; it’s a profound reminder of our interconnectedness with the past, present, and future. Embrace the magic of this season, and let it inspire you to celebrate the transitions in your own life.

Remember, the veil is thin, and the spirits are near. Let’s welcome them with open hearts and minds.