The History And Symbolism Of Samhain

Samhain is my favorite Sabbat and my favorite time of year. It has a wonderfully colorful and magical history as well.

Samhain is one of the four Greater Sabbats. Pronounced SOW-in in Ireland, SAH-vin in Scotland, or, more commonly in modern times, SAM-hayne; it means "End od Summer. This is the thrid and final Harvest of the year and marks the beginning of winter. It is commonly celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions celebrate on November 1st.

Samhain is known by many names, Third Harvest, Samana, Vigil of Samana, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. It may also be called All Hallow's Eve, although this day actually falls on November 7th; or Martinmas, which is actually on November 11th.

Samhain is a most magical night! Just as on Beltane, the barrier that is general present between our world and the spirit world is lifted. Departed spirits journey through this world on their way to Summerland. For this reason, it is easier to communicate with our ancestors and those loved ones that have departed. Since it is the beginning of the deep, dark winter, it is time for studying Dark Mysteries. We should honer the Dark Mother and Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her consort, at this time as well.


It was originally celebrated in Celtic countries as the "Feast of the Dead". Food was left as offerings on alters and doorsteps for the spirits of the dead journeying to Summerland. Many pagans still hold to this tradition in modern times. A single candle is lit and placed in a window as a guide to bring the spirits of our ancestors home. Extra chairs are set at table and around the hearth for the spirits to know they are welcome. In olden times, apples were buried along the roadsides and paths, for the spirits that were lost or who had no one left in this world to welcome them into their homes.

This was a night for magic and mischief! Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits. In modern times, we use pumpkins instead of turnips. The Wee Folk; fairies, gnomes and the like; came out to play pranks on humans. It was not advised to travel after dark. To fool the Wee Folk and the spirits, people dressed in white to look like ghosts, or wore disguises made of straw, or even dressed as the opposite gender. This is were the custom of wearing Halloween costumes comes from.


This was also when livestock were slaughtered and put away to ensure meat would be available during the dark winter. Crops had to be harvested before Samhain. If any were still in the field, they were left as an offerings to the natural spirits.

Known in olden times as Bonefires; bonfires were built after feasting and the bones were thrown into the fire. These were offerings to ensure healthy livestock the next year. Stones were marked with the names of people and cast into the fire, to be retrieved the next morning. The condition of the stones was said to fortell the future of that person in the year to come. All of the homes in a village lit their hearth fire from the village's bonfire. This was said to ensure unity of the village in the coming year. The ashes from the bonfire were spread across the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.

Symbolism of Samhain
Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death


Symbols of Samhain
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms


Colors of Samhain
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold


Incense of Samhain
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg


Herbs of Samhain
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip. Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak Leaves, Sage and Straw


Foods of Samhain
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry


Stones of Samhain
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian

Sources: The Celtic Connection www.wicca.com
A night of mischief and magick! by Anna Caldwell