19 Facts About Samhain

Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins and some Neolithic passage tombs in Ireland are aligned with the sunrise at the time of Samhain.

The early literature says Samhain was marked by great gatherings and feasts and was when the ancient burial mounds were open, which were seen as portals to the Otherworld.

At Samhain, they were appeased with offerings of food and drink, to ensure the people and their livestock survived the winter.

Folklorists have used the name 'Samhain' to refer to Gaelic 'Halloween' customs up until the 19th century.

The tale Echtra Cormaic says that the Feast of Tara was held every seventh Samhain, hosted by the High King of Ireland, during which new laws and duties were ordained; anyone who broke the laws established during this time would be banished.

Related searches

Legendary kings Diarmait mac Cerbaill and Muirchertach mac Ercae each die a threefold death on Samhain, which involves wounding, burning and drowning, and of which they are forewarned.

Samhain is warned of his impending doom by three undead horsemen who are messengers of Donn, god of the dead.

Samhain offers a prize to whoever can make it to a gallows and tie a band around a hanged man's ankle.

Samhain follows the host through a portal into the Otherworld.

The Middle Irish writer notes that Samhain is called Feile Moingfhinne, and that "women and the rabble make petitions to her" at Samhain.

The Hill of Ward in County Meath is thought to have been the site of a great Samhain gathering and bonfire; the Iron Age ringfort is said to have been where the goddess or druid Tlachtga gave birth to triplets and where she later died.

Samhain was one of the four main festivals of the Gaelic calendar, marking the end of the harvest and beginning of winter.

In Serglige Con Culainn, it is said that the festival of the Ulaid at Samhain lasted a week: Samhain itself, and the three days before and after.

Samhain adds that all other fires were doused and then re-lit from this bonfire.

At Samhain, it was believed that the aos si needed to be propitiated to ensure that the people and their livestock survived the winter.

Traditionally, Samhain was a time to take stock of the herds and food supplies.

Samhain inferred it from contemporary folklore in Ireland and Wales, which he felt was "full of Hallowe'en customs associated with new beginnings".

Frazer put forth that Samhain had been the pagan Celtic festival of the dead and that it had been Christianized as All Saints and All Souls.

Since then, Samhain has been popularly seen as the Celtic New Year and an ancient festival of the dead.