​

Hey there,

Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that influenced modern Halloween, begins this Friday evening.

What Is Samhain?

Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) is the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. Celebrated from October 31 to November 1, it’s the perfect time for families to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the turning of the seasons together. Often called the Celtic New Year, Samhain reminds us that every ending brings a new beginning.

Here are a few simple, meaningful ways to celebrate Samhain:

• Light a candle for your ancestors — Take a quiet moment to remember loved ones who have passed. Share stories or place their photos or personal mementos on a small altar decorated with autumn leaves, acorns, apples, or marigolds.
• Enjoy a harvest feast — Cook a cozy meal using seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, root vegetables, and apples. Invite family members, friends, to join you, or enjoy a meal in solitude with gratitude for the earth’s bounty.
• Spend time in nature — Take a reflective autumn walk. Notice the shift in the air, the falling leaves, and the stillness that comes with the turning of the season. Become aware of what's present inside and out.
• Visit Rhythms of Play to learn about several more Samhain Traditions and celebration ideas.

How Samhain Became Halloween 🎃

Long ago, people celebrated Samhain as the end of the harvest season and the start of winter—a time when they believed the veil between the living and spirit worlds was thinnest. To honor their ancestors and ward off mischievous spirits, they lit bonfires, wore costumes, and carved turnips into lanterns.

Over time, these customs merged with Christian traditions like All Saints’ Day and All Hallows’ Eve, and eventually transformed into the fun-filled Halloween we know today—with costumes, pumpkins, and treats that reflect those ancient roots.

Fun Last-Minute Halloween Activities:

• Pumpkin Carving: Get creative with your designs! If you have younger kids, consider painting or decorating pumpkins instead. You can even decorate play-dough pumpkins! This list of fall nature crafts includes several pumpkin decorating and carving ideas you can try.
• Spooky Story Time: Invite children to gather to hear a few scary or not-so-scary stories or read classic Halloween tales such as "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
• DIY Decorations: Use household items to create fun decorations—think ghosts made from white sheets, or small ghosts you can hang. Learn how HERE--> Ghost Craft and Decoration.
• Halloween Art Projects and Painting Ideas: Getting the spooks out with simple Halloween arts and crafts can also be fun for kids and adults of all ages. Try the ideas HERE--> Halloween Art Project Ideas.

As you celebrate, let this season be a gentle reminder of the cycles of life and an invitation to find meaning and beauty amid the changing seasons.

Blessings,

​