The Magic of Samhain

Originally it was turnips that were carved with a face and lit with a candle. Upon arriving in America, the pumpkin gourd became the traditional vessel for All Hallow’s Eve. This is a wonderful melding of cultural ideas and a reminder that magic is made with what is on hand. For fun, consider reading the short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving. It is a frightening tale about an original scary pumpkin head.

Bobbing for apples was originally a game of romance in Europe. A large tub was filled with water. Ladies would carve their initials into the apples and drop them into the water. Gentlemen would then try to catch one with their teeth, without the use of their hands. The hope was that the desired match would be foretold. In New England, young women would try to peel the apple in one long piece. If successful, they would throw the peel strip over their shoulder and then peek to see what letter was formed by the peel upon the ground. This would be an initial of their future husband.

In Mexican Lore, on October 31st at midnight, the gates of heaven are opened and the spirits of all the dead children reunite with their families for one day. On the next day, the adults come out to play. Stunning altars are made in each home where they are decorated with candles, marigolds, and a wild abundance of food. Little toys and sweet treats are left for the children, while shots are set aside for the grown-ups. Sugar skulls were made by traditional folk artisans to represent a departed soul. On the forehead of the sugar skull was the name of the deceased, and it held a place of honor in the home or on the grave. Sugar skulls are characterized by big happy smiles, bright colors and sparkly adornments. They are often the centerpiece/s of the altar.

Sìth (pronounced ‘she’) are a magical race that live underground in fairy mounds in a world parallel to ours. During Samhain, the Sìth can more readily enter into our world. This is a mixed blessing. These fairies are a proud and powerful race, so they expect offerings in order to remain in their favor. Food and drink are set aside for them, and they favor apples. What happens if this is neglected? Well they could simply be puckish, or they could prevent family or livestock from surviving a harsh winter. Sometimes, people would travel door-to-door in disguise, reciting verse in exchange for food. The costumes are thought to have been a way of hiding from the mischievous Sìth.

Samhain is the night of the Wild Hunt.  Prevalent in European folklore, the Wild Hunt is when the mythical or supernatural traverse our world, often in a wild frenzy to hunt an unknown creature.  The leader of the Hunt is an untameable figure with kinglike status.  Mortals who witness the Wild Hunt are thought to have touched death and may be abducted into the fairy realm or the underworld.  A stone that contains a naturally occurring hole was considered to be a protective amulet, allowing the wearer to return unharmed from wherever the Wild Hunt took them.