Deep History of Halloween
Scholars actually know very little about ‘Samhain.’ These ancient Celtic rituals are rife with beliefs, and the festivals and celebrations tie into these beliefs. ‘Samhain’ can be the beginning of the Celtic year, when farmers brought their livestock in from the fields. Shelters were built for winter and new laws passed at this time. Bonfires and feasting were rampant and individuals burned offerings of fruit, vegetation and animals for blessings from the gods.
‘Samhain’ was a time of transitioning when battles were fought and fairies cast spells. The natural world and supernatural world intermingled and the Celts believed the dead walked among the living. Visits from the dead occurred according to Celtic lore, and scholarly individuals believe these were the roots of Halloween.
‘All Saints’ and ‘All Souls’ Days date back to pagan customs, when Celts survived Christianity. In the early 800s, November 1 became ‘All Saints Day’, and 200 years later, ‘All Souls Day’ was added. Prayers for family and friends that were deceased became common, and lanterns burned for ancestors and food was placed out for the dead. Different regions of Europe had different customs and people of Wales put white stones near Halloween fires, to see if the stones moved at night, suggesting that individuals would then live another year.
