How Samhain Is Celebrated in a Pagan Family

on October 31, 2011 at 9:23 AM

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love costumes, pumpkins, scary stuff, horror movies, and did I mention costumes? And of course, candy. If I had my way, my decorations would likely get out of hand. As a Pagan, though, in addition to doing the commonly known Halloween stuff, we also pay homage to passed loves ones, in the celebration of Samhain (pronounced 'sow' like the female pig, 'win' or 'wen' ... 'sow-wen').

I really enjoy not only the fun and, yes, commercial stuff about October 31, but also our more solemn, serious family rituals and, of course, recognition of the changes in the planet.

My 2-year-old daughter is a little too young to understand, but my 7-year-old and I have discussed the axial tilt of the planet throughout the year so he understands what Samhain is all about. It means 'Summer's End,' as there used to be just two recognized seasons -- summer and winter, and this is the start of the time of year when nights are longer than days. Being the polar opposite of Beltaine, the start of summer, which is all about birth and new life and light, Samhain pays respect to the dead. It used to include setting a place at the dinner feast for loves ones who've passed on, leaving the door open so they could come in, and lighting candles and putting them in carved gourds with scary faces to scare off bad spirits. So jack-o'-lanterns and giving out food at our door to kids costumed as ghosts (amongst other things) isn't that far-fetched, eh?

I think that's one of my favorite things about the holiday. Every single thing that's commonly practiced also has historical roots based in old beliefs. Whether or not we still believe there's going to be evil spirits scared off by glowing carved faces is irrelevant -- it's just fun! But I do so love having an answer to explain why we do each thing (I don't really like doing most things without reason), and it's also a time to talk with my kids about their grandmother and great grandfather who passed before they were born, and pay special respect to them that night. Also, since it was a time when they would make a big bonfire, gather all crops, and bring in the flocks to protected areas as it got colder, there was a big feast, which, for me, means I have an excuse to cook a large meal, all based on what crops would have been harvested that time of year, something I find maybe a little too entertaining. Well, not to mention, I love witch stuff, cats, costumes, hot apple cider, carving pumpkins, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin spice lattes ... did I mention I love this time of year? Because I totally do.

Have you ever heard of Samhain? Do you do anything special for passed loves ones on October 31?

Image via Reflections Photography

About the author Christie Haskell

is fueled by caffeine, whether in coffee or tea form, to aid in chasing around a toddler and elementary schooler. When not online (hah!) she has her nose buried in a book or TV show.

Filed Under: traditions, holidays, halloween

Like What You Just Read?

Click the "Like" button below to get Christie Haskell's stories on Facebook.

Comments (23)

Cachorritos

on Oct 31, 2011 at 9:50 AM

Totally fascinating; thank you for sharing!

Report this comment

manna8288

on Oct 31, 2011 at 9:55 AM

Yes I've heard of Samhain. I will cooking a big meal and set out a plate for my departed loved ones. I will also be lighting a candle and putting it in a window. After the kids go to bed I'll have a private ritual and do some divination work. I LOVE Samhain!

Kritika

on Oct 31, 2011 at 10:05 AM

Do you actually put food and drink on the place setting? Sorry if that's a stupid question I'm just really curious.

jpfsmom

on Oct 31, 2011 at 10:16 AM

Interesting...the last time I saw my stepmother was on Halloween 2008 (sadly she passed away a few months later) but Halloween was her favorite time of year and I could see her loving something like this. She was a pagan as well. Maybe I'll incorporate something like this tonight.(Although she would roll in her grave she hated chili dogs ;))

Facebook comment from Gretchen Marie Sweeney

on Oct 31, 2011 at 10:26 AM

Love it love it love it!!!! I am glad someone blogs about the real meaning of this tradition... Pagans are not "weird" and this tradition is not only to dress up and get drunk like a lot of people, but to celebrate the right way....

momtolittleg

on Oct 31, 2011 at 11:23 AM

Awesome post! I love to learn about the meaning behind traditions. My stepdad, who died a few years ago, was born on Halloween, so we are (perhaps silently) honoring him today. I will definitely share this information with my daughter when she's a bit older.

AFwifenmom97

on Oct 31, 2011 at 11:36 AM

Yes I've heard of it no I don't do anything special for the dearly departed. As a Christian, I am probably in the minority, but I think that people need to learn the real meaning of Halloween/Samhain. It's not a satanic holiday like so many people (Christians) have been led to believe. I think the traditions are nice. We carve the Jack O'Lantern and go trick or treating. We won't celebrate Samhain but we're Christians. Tome that would be like celebrating Hanukkah. I had a good friend that was Agnostic but had an interest in Paganism. We would have long conversations I would ask her questions about being a Pagan and she would ask me questions about being a Christian.

on Oct 31, 2011 at 1:01 PM

Yes I actually put food and drink out.

RanaAurora

on Oct 31, 2011 at 1:05 PM

Kritika, many people do, yes, actually put out a serving of food. If you think about it, an empty plate would seem kind of sad, wouldn't it? :) Not a stupid question at all!