Dark Roots behind Halloween: Tainted Traditions

by Nala Montgomery

Since when was it decided Halloween activities and trick-or-treating were just for kids? Dressing up and going from door to door throughout the night is less talked about and more frowned upon as we lose years from our life spans. However if we embraced the origins that their beloved holiday bloomed from, it would be flourishing and embraced among older generations. Most people have no idea the witch craft and rituals that inspired today's traditions and made Halloween what it is today. 

Rituals 

Samhain Women’s Ritual

Before Halloween was popularized in the U.S. it was known as Samhain festivals from a mix of Celtic and Roman traditions. “Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “sow-win”) is a pagan festival rooted in ancient Celtic spiritual tradition.” was celebrated October 31st to November 1st, was a time when ancient Celtics believed the seam between life and death came undone. It signaled the start of a new year and the end of harvest as the days got short, cold, and dark. 

Though offerings were left at door steps to ward off spirits, this time was also utilized  as an opportunity to honor passed loved ones. People would dress as animals and spirits to disguise themselves to stay safe from evil entities that roamed in the night during this time while trying to honor their deceased family and friends with large bonfires to guide them through the night.  

These bonfires were not only lit for their past loved ones but also to keep other wandering unwanted spirits at bay. The people feasted on “dumb suppers” in the name of the dead with their own place set for them while others told each others’ fortunes through the night.

Witchcraft Practiced 

During the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, divination flourished and witches practiced spells and rituals to welcome the new year and honor the dead. Bonfires were built with song and dance at “witches’ balls”. Things such as taro cards, runes or scrying mirrors were used in rituals performed to embrace new beginnings and dispel negative energy. 

Connection to nature was also an important aspect in this time of celebration. Witches would incorporate natural elements such pumpkins, leaves, and apples to honor the cyclical of life and Earth itself. Modern day witches still practice these ancient rituals and spells to honor the traditions of Halloween and Wiccans, practitioners of modern pagan religion. 

Samhain Mythical Beings

Púca; Samhain Shape-shifter

Since people during Samhain festivals believed that barriers between worlds were crossed and not only ancestors returned. People would dress up as monsters and animals to prevent being kidnapped by fairies or Lady Gwen, a headless lady accompanied by a black pig said to chase those who wandered through the night. Stories also tell of a shape-shifting creature referred to as a púca,  only ever appeased by receiving harvest offerings from the fields.