Embracing the Veil: A Samhain Night

Samhain (pronounced “SOW-in”) is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated from sunset on October 31 to sunset on November 1. Unlike Halloween, which has spun off its themes of costumes and pumpkins, Samhain is about honoring ancestors, connecting with nature, and embracing the mysteries of life and death. Think of it as both a farewell to the harvest season and a welcoming of winter’s quiet transformation.

Samhain Festival. Photo by Author. © 2024 | All Rights Reserved | Soul II Soul

Here, we’ll dive into the rich traditions and lasting impact of Samhain—and why it still resonates with so many people today.

Ancient Origins: The Beginnings of Samhain

Samhain goes back thousands of years to the Celtic people who lived across Ireland, Scotland, and parts of France. For them, it was one of the four main fire festivals, each one marking a seasonal change. But Samhain was unique—it marked the start of winter, the time when the Celts believed that the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest.

To honor this time, the Celts gathered for bonfires, burned offerings, and prepared food and drink, leaving some outside as a gift to wandering spirits. These gestures weren’t about fear but respect, ensuring the spirits were pleased and would, in turn, bring blessings to the household. It was a time of connection, community, and protection as the dark months began.

Samhain’s Powerful Symbols: Death and Renewal

Samhain’s themes are rooted in death and renewal. Winter represents a type of death in nature, yet it’s also part of a cycle that leads to rebirth each spring. This festival honors endings and beginnings, making it a profound time to reflect on our own cycles of change.

During Samhain, people often set a place at the table for loved ones who had passed, inviting their spirits to “join” the gathering. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it was a heartfelt way of keeping memories alive, showing that death doesn’t mean disappearance but a kind of transformation. This idea is something that still resonates today, especially for those who seek to remember and honor the dead.

Celtic Goddess Celebrating Samhain. Photo by Author. © 2024 | All Rights Reserved | Soul II Soul

How Samhain Shaped Halloween Traditions

Over time, parts of Samhain were adapted by the Christian church as All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). These traditions, combined with Samhain’s rituals, eventually evolved into Halloween.

Today’s Halloween costumes, for example, stem from the Samhain practice of wearing disguises to avoid being recognized by mischievous spirits. And the jack-o’-lantern tradition comes from the Irish custom of carving turnips to ward off unwanted spirits—later adapted to pumpkins when Irish immigrants brought the practice to America.

Samhain Today: A Revival of the Old Ways

In recent years, more people are reconnecting with Samhain’s ancient practices. Many Pagans, Wiccans, and nature-lovers celebrate Samhain as a time for self-reflection, honoring ancestors, and connecting with nature.

One common tradition is to create an ancestor altar with photos and items that belonged to loved ones who’ve passed. This isn’t just a “look back”; it’s a way to feel rooted and remember where we come from. Others take time to meditate, write letters to lost loved ones, or reflect on their lives. Whether it’s lighting a candle or sitting quietly in nature, these gestures help people reconnect to a sense of continuity that stretches far beyond the present.

Why Samhain Still Speaks to Us Today

At its core, Samhain is about connection—to each other, to our ancestors, and to the natural rhythms of the world. In today’s fast-paced society, Samhain reminds us to pause, reflect, and find beauty in both beginnings and endings. Its core message—that life and death are linked, and there’s wisdom in honoring both—still holds meaning for many people today.

Whether you mark Samhain with a candle, a quiet moment, or a family gathering, this festival offers a unique chance to embrace life’s mysteries. There’s something comforting about a tradition that holds space for both reverence and celebration, honoring what has been while looking forward to what will come.