Samhain

Introduction Samhain (pronounced SOW-in or SAH-win) is one of the most ancient and significant festivals of the Celtic world. Dating back more than two thousand years, it marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter — the “dark half” of the year. Over centuries, Samhain evolved, blending with Christian traditions and … Continue reading The Origins and Evolution of Samhain: From Ancient Celtic Festival to Modern Halloween →

Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, is one of the most sacred Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year. Often seen as the Pagan New Year, it’s a time to honour ancestors, reflect on the cycles of life and death, and embrace the thinning veil … Continue reading Celebrating Samhain with Children: Cooking, Crafts, Nature, and Dress-Up for Pagan Families →

Pumpkins are the perfect symbol of Autumn and Samhain.  I know they didn’t come over from the New World to Europe until the early 1500s but that’s definitely long enough to be considered history here, too!  Pumpkins represent the bounty of the land, the ripe and raucous culmination of Spring planning and prepping, Summer tending, … Continue reading Roasted Pumpkin Seeds →

Oh, my goodness, I absolutely love pumpkin soup.  The silky, rich consistency just hits the spot especially on a chilly Autumn evening or in the very midst of Winter bleakness.  It is especially tasty if you have made it from a plumpciously juicy fresh pumpkin, harvested that season, rather than from the tins.  Now, I … Continue reading Pumpkin Soup →

There is literally nothing that ties me to my American, Appalachian/Cherokke/Melungeon heritage more strongly than pumpkin pie.  Maybe apple pie is the quintessential pie that defines my home country (as American as apple pie, they say) but for me, it has got to be pumpkin with its ties to Thanksgiving and Native American customs and … Continue reading Pumpkin Pie →