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As the seasons turn: The origin of Halloween

31 Oct 2025

Explore Samhain

Autumn leaves against a dark night sky, with stars

The 31st October is often referred to as Halloween, but it originates from an ancient Celtic Festival called Samhain (Pronounced sow-win) which is thought to have been first celebrated around 2,000 years ago. According to the Wheel of the Year, an annual cycle of seasonal festivals, Samhain is marked as one of the most significant times of year. The Wheel of the Year is often followed by modern Pagans, Druids, Wiccans and people of other traditions which centre nature in their practices.

Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. As the last fire festival, it ushers in the ‘dark portion of the year. In Celtic mythology, this is seen as a time when the veil between the physical world and the spiritual world is thinnest and was traditionally celebrated with communal feasts, fires and offerings to the spirits. It is a time to honour and remember ancestors as well as the cycles of death and rebirth. Many see this as a time to begin to reflect on the year as it comes to a close and to consider their intentions for the year ahead.

There are many ways that you can mark Samhain, whether you follow the Wheel of the Year or not:

  • Create an ancestor altar with photos, mementos and items that remind you of loved ones who are no longer here. You can offer food or drink or sing songs to honour them.
  • Hold a ‘Silent Supper’ with your closest people where you host a meal in silence, often with a place setting for ancestors, where you can reflect on those that have come before you.
  • Share stories and memories of loved ones who have passed on.
  • Walk in nature and reflect on whatever it is that calls to you.
  • Build a bonfire or light candles.
  • Set intentions for the ‘darker half’ of the year.
  • Find ways to slow down and honour the slowness of the winter months.

Most importantly, Samhain is a time of reflection and a beautiful opportunity to honour those who have gone before us as well as the nature and changing seasons around us.

If you would like to join a Staff Network based around The Wheel of the Year and Nature, please let us know by completing this form.