Samhain: History, Folklore, Traditions in Galicia and its Evolution towards Halloween
In the heart of autumn, when the leaves begin to fall and the nights become longer, comes one of the most important holidays within witchcraft and ancient pagan traditions: Samhain . Although today many celebrate Halloween, the root of this celebration comes from a much older holiday, full of spiritual meaning and connection with nature.
The Origin of Samhain
Samhain is a Celtic holiday that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. On this magical night, the veil between the world of the living and the dead was believed to be thinner, allowing spirits to walk among us. The ancient Celts lit sacred bonfires and performed rituals to honor their ancestors and protect themselves from harmful spirits.
The term "Samhain" comes from Old Irish and means "end of summer." For our ancestors, this time not only marked a change of season, but a transition in their connection to the afterlife. Galician witches have also always felt a special connection to this time of year, using it as a time of reflection and preparation for winter.
Folklore and Traditions in Galicia
Galicia, with its rich Celtic heritage, has maintained many of the traditions related to Samhain . In our land, this festival has adopted various names, such as Magosto or Samaín , and is still celebrated with a mixture of respect for the ancestral and the connection with the modern.
In Galicia, during Magosto , families and communities gather around the fire to roast chestnuts, one of the most symbolic fruits of the season. Fire, present in rituals since time immemorial, not only represents warmth amid the impending cold, but also a connection with ancestors. Just as the Celts lit bonfires to protect themselves from spirits, in Galicia the purifying fire symbolizes transition and renewal.
On the other hand, Samhain , with its more mystical tone, evokes the ancient traditions of honoring the dead. In many Galician towns, it is customary to carve pumpkins (very similar to the Halloween tradition) and place candles inside them, illuminating the paths in the darkness to guide the souls. However, beyond the festive elements, Galician witchcraft at this time focuses on introspection, contemplation and connection with spiritual energies.
Witchcraft and the Meaning of Samhain in Spiritual Practice
For modern witches, Samhain remains a time of great power. It is the “Night of the Witches,” the perfect time to honor ancestors, perform rituals of protection and spiritual cleansing, and reflect on the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
I invite you to take advantage of this magical night to perform a small personal ritual. You can light a beeswax candle ( like the ones I offer in my shop ) and meditate on the cycles that are ending in your life, giving thanks for the lessons learned and preparing your mind and spirit for winter. Candles can symbolize both inner light and a guide for the spirits of your ancestors that you wish to honor on this day.
For Galician witches, Samhain is not a time of fear, but of respect and connection. On this night, the spiritual world is closer than ever, offering us the opportunity to reconnect with our roots, our spiritual family and the energies that surround us.
The Evolution of Samhain into Halloween
Over the centuries, the arrival of Christianity transformed many pagan festivals, and Samhain was no exception. It was syncretized with the celebration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day , although many of the original elements of the holiday remained, such as the connection with the dead and the use of costumes to ward off spirits.
The migration of the Irish to the United States in the 19th century brought the traditions of Samhain to American lands, where they gradually evolved into what we know today as Halloween. The carved pumpkins, the costumes and the celebration of modern terror are the result of a cultural mix between Celtic beliefs and the influence of the contemporary Western world.
Samhain Today: Reclaiming the Sacred
Today, many people around the world are rediscovering the power and spirituality of Samhain , returning it to its original meaning. Although Halloween has taken a more commercial direction, witches and spiritual practitioners still use this time to reflect on death, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the eternal cycle of life.
Beyond the costumes and terror, it is a night for contemplation, to light a candle, perform a ritual and feel the magic that flows through you, connecting the past, the present and the future.
May the magic of Samhain light your way!