What is Samhain?

Samhain, often referred to as the Witches New year, traditionally falls on April 30 or May 1st in the Southern Hemisphere and October 31st for those in the North.
The exact halfway point between equinox and solstice does however differ from year to year.

As a cross quarter fire festival, plus the last of the harvest festivals before the Winter Solstice, it’s considered a time of endings and beginnings.

What does the word Samhain mean or refer to?

Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween, Sah-win or Sow-win) comes from the Gaelic word “Samhuin, meaning “Summer’s end”, This celebration is also known as All Hallows’ Eve, Feast of Apples, and the Feast of the Dead.

What are the themes and symbolism associated with Samhain?

It is thought that the veils between the worlds of life and death are thinnest at Samhain, so it is a time to reconnect with our ancestors and honour those who have gone before. Food is set aside for ancestors and lost loved ones as gifts, and rituals honouring those who have passed over may take place.

In nature, we can see that life is starting to die off as we move into a phase of dormancy, and Samhain presents us with the opportunity to celebrate this greater cycle of death and rebirth once more – as one cannot exist without the other.

With its ‘new year’ vibes, Samhain is a perfect opportunity to reset – to look back at what has been and release anything associated with your past that doesn’t serve - rather than hold on. In this way it truly holds the magic of an ending and a new beginning.

It is a time of reflection, transformation, and connection to the natural world. It reminds us of our connection to the greater cycles of existence and is truly a pivotal moment to embrace the mysteries of life and death.

Some simple ways for you to celebrate Samhain

Lighting a bonfire is a traditional Samhain celebration which provided warmth and light during the darkening days of winter. People would gather around these fires in celebration, jump over them for purification and protection. You may choose to do this solo or with loved ones and/or your community.
Creating an Ancestral altar is a beautiful and powerful way to honour and acknowledge our roots and all those who have come before us. Whether known or unknown, our ancestral lineage impacts our lives, and taking time to remember where we have come from can allow us a golden opportunity to understand ourselves better.
Walking in nature is a wonderful way to honour all the Sabbats! As you walk, move into a contemplative state and observe the seasonal changes noticeable at this point on the Wheel (these may vary significantly depending on your location). Really allow space to experience yourself as an integral part of the greater web of life and reflect on death and rebirth as being an important part of nature.
Share a Feast with family, friends and your community on the seasonal produce abundant at this time like apples, pumpkins and root vegetables. You may also honour your ancestors by inviting them to join you in the celebration by setting a place for them with an offering of a plate of food.
Give thanks to Mother Earth for her many gifts and blessings at the end of the harvest season.
Create a simple lantern (this could be a glass jar with a tealight) and go on a lantern walk, a traditional early winter celebration that inspires a connection to the rhythms of nature, community, and the light that shines from within.
Take time to reflect and review on the year that has been through journaling, meditation and contemplation.