Halloween has deep roots in the ancient Irish festival of Samhain, pronounced “SOW-en.” This 2,000-year-old tradition marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. During Samhain, the Celts believed that the boundaries between the living and the dead became thin, allowing spirits to return to the world of the living. Families would invite the spirits of their ancestors to supper, setting an extra place at the table to honor and remember them.
The Rituals of Samhain: Honoring Ancestors
As part of the celebrations, people lit bonfires to ward off evil spirits and gathered for feasts. Setting out food for the dead was not just a symbolic gesture—it was a heartfelt invitation for loved ones to join the festivities once more. Homes would glow with candlelight, and the air filled with stories of those who had passed. Today, many Halloween traditions, like costumes and pumpkin carving, stem from these ancient rituals. Rediscovering Samhain helps us appreciate the rich history behind our modern-day celebrations.
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