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What Is Samhain? (Definition and Etymology)
What in the Halloween is the definition of Samhain? Where did the word come from? And why did the ancient Celts decide to celebrate Samhain on the 31st night of October?
A Brief History of Samhain: When (and Where) Did Halloween’s Celtic Predecessor Get Its Start?
No history of Halloween would be complete without a history of Samhain. Uncover the archaeological and historical evidence behind Samhain’s ancient Celtic origins.
The Mythology of Samhain: 6 Stories That Give Samhain Added Significance
Did you know that Samhain served as the backdrop for many of Irish mythology’s greatest battles and events? Here are 6 Samhain myths for celebrating the year’s spookiest season.
Was There an Irish God Named Samhain?
Yes. No. Sort of. Look, this is gonna be one of *those* posts, because while there is a character from Irish mythology who bears the name “Samhain,” he’s not what you think.
Who Is the Irish God of Death? A Morbid Introduction to the Morrígan, Donn, and Bilé
Irish mythology is rife with ruthless and ritual death. So is there a god and/or goddess from the Irish pantheon who is in charge of the recently deceased, à la the Grim Reaper or Charon from Greek mythology? Turns out there’s not just one Irish god of death, there are (at least) three.
The Celtic History Behind Our Favorite Halloween Traditions: 6 Samhain Rituals That Refuse to Die
The origins of Halloween are rooted in the ancient Celtic harvest festival of Samhain. But how, specifically, did Samhain give rise to all those wacky Halloween rituals?
Samhain Reading List: 13 Frightening Works of Fiction for Celebrating Halloween’s Celtic Roots
Get in the Samhain spirit with these spine-tingling Celtic horror novels and short story collections
How Do You Pronounce Samhain?
Learn the authentic Irish pronunciation for “Samhain”, the ancient Celtic feast that inspired Halloween. Hint: it’s not “Sam-hane”.
The Jaw-Dropping History of the Jack-O’-Lantern: A Tale of Turnips, Samhain, and Severed Heads
Where do jack-o’-lanterns come from? Learn about their Irish origins in this deep dive
I Just Published a New Book About Samhain. Want a Free Copy?
Book 2 of the Celtic Pocket Guides series is here! Grab your copy of Samhain in Your Pocket: A Tiny Little Book About the Celtic Origins of Halloween