What is Samhain, is the same as Halloween and how do you pronounce it?
THE origins of Halloween can be traced back to a Celtic festival called Samhain.
But what was it, when did it take place, and what happened?
What is Samhain?
In the Celtic days, Britain was a Pagan country – and one of the most important celebrations was Samhain, or the Feast of the Dead.
It was one of four Gaelic seasonal festivals, and was widely observed across Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Celts believed that on this day, the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred – and ghosts returned to earth.
But the pagans didn’t fear the dead, and Samhein was a time for Druid prophecies.
Does it take place on Halloween?
Samhain marked the end of the summer and harvest in Britain, Ireland and northern France and the beginning of winter, a time of year often associated with death.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III made November 1 a day to honour saints and martyrs.
To keep the peace with the pagans, he made sure All Saints’ Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain.
Celts believed that on this day, the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred – and ghosts returned to earth.
But the pagans didn’t fear the dead, and Samhain was a time for Druid prophecies.
They would build huge sacrificial bonfires and people would gather to burn crops and animal sacrifices as well as put on costumes to ward off evil spirits and ghosts.
People would also wear costumes, often consisting of animal heads and skins.
The name Halloween is a contraction of All Hallows’ Evening which is also referred to as Allhalloween or All Hallows’ Eve or All Saints’ Eve – the eve of the Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day, which is better known as All Saints’ Day.
What happened at the Ancient Pagan festival?
Pagans would build huge sacred bonfires and dance around them in costume.
People would gather to burn crops and animal sacrifices.
They would also wear costumes, often consisting of animal heads and skins.
