You are probably very familiar with a holiday we call "Halloween," but did you know it came from a very sacred ancient Celtic holiday? This festival was called "Samhain"—pronounced, "Sow-un."
Samhain is known as the “Celtic New Year.” The name of this holiday comes from the Irish Gaelic, Samhradh – Fhuineadh or “Summer's End.” It is the end of the warm or light half of the year, and the beginning of the dark half. But, as the Celts regarded sunset, rather than sunrise, as the beginning of the day, Samhain has been set at the beginning of the year. Household hearth fires were put out and re-lit from a central, sacred fire, lit by the Druids in ancient times. Druids also settled disputes and passed judgments at this time. Another meaning of the word “Samhain” that I have seen is “an Sàmhtheine,” or “the fire of peace” in Scottish Gaelic.
In our own tradition, as Neo-druids, we still celebrate Samhain in modern times. It is a special time, when the borders of this world and the Otherworld are more open, and the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It is a time to remember Ancestors who have died, and to pay respect to the Fair Folk or other spirits. People leave offerings of food and drink outside their homes for these beings. Also, rituals for divining the future are practiced at Samhain, using foods such as hazelnuts and apples (foods associated with the Otherworld).
On Samhain, we specially honor two of the Shining Ones: the Dagda and the Morrígan. The Dagda, whose name means "the Good God," is known for his Cauldron of Plenty, his mighty Club, and his magic Harp. The Morrígan, sometimes called the "Phantom Queen," is a goddess of battle and yet also a goddess of the renewal of life. At Samhain, the Dagda joins with the Morrígan to work their magic to bring the rebirth of the new year.
Samhain makes it easier for us to face our fears, and to prepare for Winter. It also gives us a chance to get together with friends and family to celebrate the Fall season, and to have fun!
Some Samhain folk
customs:
"Guising"—Wearing costumes and going from house to house seeking treats!
Fortune telling customs--
Dropping egg whites in water to predict how many children you will have
Dropping apple peels in water to find the initials of your future spouse
Looking through a holey stone or "hag stone" to see the future
Throwing hazelnuts into a fire—the popping of the nut means a "yes" answer to your question.
Carving turnip lanterns—like Jack O'Lanterns
Special foods
"Fuarag" –whipped cream, honey and toasted oats. A.ring is hidden inside, and the person who finds it in his or her portion is supposed to be the first to marry. (Be careful not to swallow the ring!)
Apple cider--with cinnamon and cloves.
Further Reading
The Folklore of the Scottish Highlands by Anne Ross, Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1976
Kindling the Celtic Spirit by Mara Freeman, HarperCollins publishers, Inc., New York, 2000.
Over Nine Waves: A Book of Irish Legends by Marie Heaney, Faber and Faber, Limited, London, 1994.
By Eva Gordon (FoDLA Religious Education Coordinator)
©2006 Eve Gordon