Episode 1: Samhain

History / Politics / SociologyMythology / ReligionCulture / HolidaysOctober2024Kara“Examples of Pagan ‘Repurposing’ in Organized Religions”
Written By Kara Nyhan

Samhain’s Influence on Halloween, Ghosts and All

Part 1 of the “Examples of Pagan ‘Repurposing’ in Organized Religions” Mini-Series (non-consecutive episodes)

In this episode, Kara gives a brief history of the different aspects and history of the Irish-Pagan holiday (or Sabbat), Samhain. This holiday is celebrated from sunset Oct 31 to sunset Nov 1 and marks the times of harvests and the beginning of the dark and dying season of winter in Ireland. Considered the transition from summer to winter, it represents the New Year in many pagan practices. It was a time to honor and commune with the dead (ancestors) and pay homage to the sidhe (fae) as the partition between the human world and the Otherworld was lessened at this time of year.

Discussion Includes:

  • Overview of the Sabbat Calendar

  • History of Samhain including the dead (ancestors), sidhe, protection practices, divination, fire use, and more

  • Mentions of the Hills of Tara and Tlachtga and their relevance to Samhain

  • The links between familiar Halloween creatures and costumes & Samhain and Irish-Pagan customs

  • Christianity’s effect on Samhain

  • Modern Halloween and the Media

©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2024

Pronunciation Guide:

  • Samhain—Sah-wahn

  • Gaelige—Gwail-guh

  • Lughnasadh—Loo-na-sah or Loo-gch-na sah (soft guttural)

  • Sidhe—Shee

  • Oíche Shamha—Ee-hyuh How-gnah (nasal)

  • Tuatha Dé Danaan— Tooah(or Hooah) Jay(soft d/j sound) Thah-nan

  • Barmbrac—Bar-n-brak

  • Tlachtga—Tl-ahk-t-gah

  • Bean Sí—Bahn Shee

  • Droch Fhola—Druh-k Uh-lah

Images:

 

“The Romance of Jack O’Lantern” by Hercules Ellis (1851)

A Poem found in The Rhyme Book

 

References & Resources:

Kara Nyhan
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Episode 2: Roots!