Samhain Origins: Where Halloween Meets Ancient Irish Spirit
Ah, October—the glorious time of year when the air starts to cool (in theory), pumpkins appear on every doorstep, and we prepare ourselves for Halloween, that magical night of costumes, candy, and chaos. But before we dive headfirst into the pumpkin-spiced madness, let’s take a trip back in time to the roots of Halloween—specifically, to my homeland, where it all began.
You see, Halloween wasn’t always about kids dressing up as superheroes, or the annual dilemma of whether you should actually buy candy for trick-or-treaters or eat it all yourself. (Spoiler alert: I always go with option two.)
No, my friends, Halloween’s origins go way back, some 2,000 years ago, to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-in). This was when the ancient Irish people believed the division between the living and the spirit world was as thin as my excuses for not answering my phone. Naturally, this allowed spirits—both good and bad—to pass through. The ancestors were welcomed home for a meal, while the more mischievous spirits were shooed away with costumes and bonfires. These were proper Irish bonfires, mind you, not your polite suburban fire pits with marshmallows and cider—I'm talking full-on, toss-the-livestock-bones-into-the-flames bonfires. Good craic, as we say.
Apples, Hazelnuts, and Irish Halloween Games—Tricks of the Trade
Speaking of food, Samhain wasn’t just about keeping the spirits at bay; it was a time to share and celebrate with loved ones, both living and dead. Apples featured heavily, and in my own family, we went bobbing for them—trying to catch them with our teeth from a water-filled basin. There was also "haunching," where apples dangled from strings, and we’d have a go at catching them, which usually resulted in me and the brothers knocking each other out.
My personal favorite was the apple tart. My mum would hide a coin inside the tart, and whoever found it got good luck for the year—provided they didn’t crack a tooth on it first. But if you want the true test of love, gather around the fire with hazelnuts, name one after yourself and one after your desired romantic partner, and see how they roast. If they dance apart, your love might need some reconsideration. If they sit there roasting quietly, well then, maybe Cupid’s had a hand in the matter.
A Wail for the Banshee, But a Feast for Us!
And while the banshee doesn’t usually grace us with her wails at Halloween, you can bet we’d swap stories of this "female fairy" and her less-than-welcome role in Irish households. She’s like the world's most unwanted guest, screaming only when someone is about to drop dead.
But no worries—this post isn't that grim. Let’s leave the banshee out in the garden and focus on something much more enjoyable—roasted pumpkin salad!
An ode to both our Roasted Pumpkin & Wild Arugula Candles - Perfect parings for your table setting.
Ingredients For Your Roasted Pumpkin Salad
1 small sugar pumpkin (or butternut squash if pumpkins aren’t your thing)
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup arugula (for that peppery bite)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup dried cranberries (for a bit of sweetness)
½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds (because, of course, more pumpkin)
Olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic vinegar
How to Make the Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Salad for Fall
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds (save them for toasting!), and slice the pumpkin into wedges.
Toss the wedges in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and tender.
While the pumpkin roasts, assemble your salad by tossing the spinach, arugula, cranberries, and feta together.
Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they start to pop and smell delicious.
Once the pumpkin is done, let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad. Drizzle the whole thing with honey or balsamic vinegar, and top with those crispy pumpkin seeds.
A Samhain Celebration in Every Bite
This salad is a little like Samhain itself—mixing the warm, roasted flavors of autumn with fresh, lively greens and a hint of something sweet and unexpected. And, like the festival, it reminds us of the importance of honoring what came before while looking forward to what’s next.
So, as you prepare for the spooky season ahead, why not add a bit of Irish magic to your table? Light a candle (might I suggest Gluttony Candles' Roasted Pumpkin or the ever-mysterious Wild Arugula), and set the mood for a truly enchanted evening. After all, nothing says “Welcome, ancestors” like the smell of autumn mixed with, well… salad greens. Who knows, maybe they’ll pop by for a bite—just make sure to save some for the living too. And if the banshee shows up, offer her a candle. Trust me, it works every time.
Sláinte and happy Samhain!
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