Samhain Archives - Page 3 of 4

Why Do We Wear Costumes on Halloween?

The Celtic origins of the Halloween costume, unmasked! Learn how Samhain superstitions gave rise to mummers, guisers, and costumed trick-or-treaters.

Why Are Black and Orange the Colors of Halloween?

photo of a black and orange "eat drink and be scary" sign

Why do we decorate with black and orange on Halloween? Uncover the Celtic origins of this colorful tradition. (Hint: It all started with Samhain.)

Why Do We Bob for Apples on Halloween?

illustration of children sitting around a barrel full of apples floating in water

Bobbing for apples on Halloween is a tradition with deep roots in Celtic paganism. Learn how the festival of Samhain inspired this fruit-filled frenzy.

Another Month, Another Book Giveaway: Introducing ‘Irish Monsters in Your Pocket’

The first three books in the Celtic Pocket Guides series: Irish Myths in Your Pocket, Samhain in Your Pocket, and Irish Monsters in Your Pocket

Book 3 of the Celtic Pocket Guides series is here! Grab your copy of Irish Monsters in Your Pocket: A Tiny Little Book About Irish Dragons, Werewolves, Vampires. Banshees, Headless Horsemen, & Other Beastly Beings

Púca Origins: How a Mischievous Little Monster Infiltrated Irish Folklore

H. R. Millar's frontispiece to the original edition of Rudyard Kipling's Puck of Pook's Hill, "They saw a small, brown ... pointy-eared person ... step quietly into the Ring"

What is a púca? Uncover the origins and etymology of an animal-spirit with a penchant for pranks, who proves Ireland’s most sinister supernatural beings come in small packages.

Who Is Balor of the Evil Eye? A Brief Biography of Irish Mythology’s ‘Big Bad’

photo of a statue of a horned monster with big teeth and a green eye

As the leader of the marauding, murderous Fomorians, Balor of the Evil Eye is perhaps the most menacing villain in all of Irish mythology. (Wait, did I mention he can kill people just by looking at them?)

I Just Published a New Book About Samhain. Want a Free Copy?

samhain in your pocket cover art feature image Celtic Pocket Guides book 2

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

Here Be Dragons: 5 Kaiju-Sized Monsters From Irish Mythology

illustration of two irish dragons, one breathing fire

Do Irish myths feature dragons and other mountain-sized monsters? Here are 5 contenders for Irish mythology’s biggest baddie: the oillpheist, the Cata, the Muirdris (a.k.a. Sinach), Ellén Trechend, and Aillén.

Was There an Irish God Named Samhain?

Kian's Magic cow and red-haired boy (Balor in disguise).―illustr. by Stephen Reid, in T. W. Rolleston (1910) Myths and Legends.[1]

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.

The Mythology of Samhain: 6 Stories That Give Samhain Added Significance

Neopagans celebrating Samhain together. bonfire

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.