Many of our modern Halloween traditions have their roots in Samhain as well. Mumming and guising was a popular tradition during Samhain, in which people went door to door in costumes and recited verses in exchange for food, much like children ask for candy today. Those who participated in mumming and guising were prone to playing pranks, which gave Samhain the nickname “Mischief Night” in some places. Sounds like trick-or-treating has been around for a long time!

According to Irish mythology, Samhain was a festival for the dead, and some legends suggest sacrifices were made during this time to appease otherworldly beings, which could have been symbolic of the darkness, blight and other destructive forces of nature the winter months could summon. Divination was another custom of the holiday. Rings of stones were laid around bonfires or in layers of ash, one for each person. Torches were brought around, meant to exult the stones. The next morning, the stones were examined, and those which had been moved supposedly indicated that the person would die soon.

Although we don’t practice that particular tradition today, another one has survived to modern times: the tradition of lantern carving. Because the participants would be out in the dark at night, community members would carve grotesque faces on hollowed out turnips, placed in window sills. They were said to ward off evil spirits, as well as illuminate the dark night. The traditions of Samhain continued into and beyond the 9th century, when the Western Church dubbed November 1st All Saints’ Day, a Hallowed day, and so the night before became All Hallows Eve, and eventually, was renamed Halloween. Irish immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought Halloween to America, which is still widely celebrated today, and its popularity has even increased in other places in the world. Modern Pagans have adopted some of the ancient traditions of Samhain as well, and Wiccans celebrate Samhain as one of their yearly Sabbats.

There are several festivals throughout the world rooted in respect for the dead, or a connection to the spiritual realm. The desire to feel close to those who have passed, and to have fun and celebrate with those around us is one of humanity’s greatest virtues. What Halloween traditions are you partaking in this year? Has reflecting on Samhain given you any new ideas?