Samhain Traditions - Bringing in the Winter
31 Oct – 1 Nov
As the days shorten and the chill of autumn deepens, we find ourselves in a period of transition. Samhain (pronounced sow-in or sah-win), the final harvest, marks the end of the wheel of the year and the beginning of winter. In our home, Samhain is a quiet, reflective time—a moment to honour what has passed and to prepare for the darker months ahead. It is a festival deeply connected to remembrance, where the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest, and we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.
For me, Samhain feels both grounding and mysterious. The act of pausing, looking back on the year, and connecting with memories brings a sense of closure, while the longer nights invite introspection and a deeper connection to the unseen world. As always, my connection to materials and making mirrors these natural cycles, reflecting the quiet shifts of the season in my creative process.
Garland from East End Press
Symbolism and Traditions of Samhain
Samhain has long been a time to honour the ancestors, to light candles in remembrance of those who have passed, and to celebrate the end of the harvest season. In many ways, it’s a festival of endings and beginnings—the close of the agricultural year and the start of winter’s introspective journey.
Traditionally, bonfires were lit to protect homes and livestock from wandering spirits, while offerings were made to ensure a bountiful year ahead. In our home, we make small gestures that reflect these ancient practices, creating a space where the past and present feel interconnected.
Pumpkins, gourds, apples, and the last of the autumn’s bounty are often placed around the house, celebrating the abundance of the earth before we retreat into winter. Candles are lit throughout the evening, their warm glow a symbol of protection and remembrance. We also take this time to honour the cycle of creation and rest, much like the way we engage with textiles—understanding when to create and when to pause.
Simple Ways to Celebrate Samhain
If you’re looking to invite a bit of Samhain into your home this year, here are a few easy and meaningful ways to connect with the festival, whether on your own or with others:
Create an Ancestral Altar
A central tradition of Samhain is honouring those who have passed. To create an ancestral altar, gather a few personal items—photographs, letters, or objects that remind you of loved ones who have crossed over. Place these on a small table or shelf with candles and offerings such as seasonal fruits or flowers. Spend a quiet moment in reflection, lighting a candle in remembrance and inviting their memory into your home.
Carve a Pumpkin or Gourd
Carving pumpkins, a tradition now associated with Halloween, has its roots in Samhain. You can honour this tradition by carving a simple face or symbol into a pumpkin or gourd. Light a candle inside and place it by your door or window to symbolically protect your home during this time of thin veils. In Cornwall, it's traditional to carve a swede, known locally as a 'turnip,' instead of a pumpkin, creating glowing lanterns that hark back to ancient Samhain customs.
Prepare a Simple Feast
As Samhain is the final harvest, it's a wonderful time to prepare a meal that honours the season’s produce. Use apples, pumpkins, root vegetables, and grains to create a simple, warming meal. You could bake apple tarts or bread, or make a hearty stew, celebrating the earth’s last gifts before winter sets in.
Light Candles for Reflection
At dusk, turn off the lights and allow the home to be lit by candlelight. This quiet ritual creates a sense of warmth and introspection as the light fades, and the longer nights take hold. As you light each candle, take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed—what you’ve learned, what you’ve let go of, and what you’re taking forward into the months ahead.
Write a Letter of Remembrance
Samhain is a time to connect with the past. One meaningful way to do this is by writing a letter to a loved one who has passed. You could write down memories, things you wish you could say, or simply reflect on their influence in your life. Once you’ve written the letter, you might place it on your altar or keep it somewhere special as a way to acknowledge their presence.
Set Intentions for the Darker Months
As Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, it’s a good time to think about how you’d like to spend the quieter months ahead. Write down a few intentions or goals for this reflective time—perhaps focusing on creative projects or personal growth that you’d like to nurture during the colder days. Keep these intentions somewhere you can revisit them throughout the season, allowing the darkness to become a space for contemplation and growth.
Samhain and My Creative Practice
In my own work, Samhain reminds me to pause. Just as the natural world enters a period of rest and regeneration, I find this time essential for reflecting on my own creative process. The deep, earthy tones of autumn—the rustling leaves, the fading light—often find their way into my textiles, while the introspective energy of the season invites quieter, more personal work.
This festival also encourages a certain kind of patience. Just as the earth rests beneath the frost, I allow space in my practice to slow down, to let ideas germinate before the bright burst of spring. It’s a reminder that creation is a cycle, and that the quiet, unseen phases are just as important as the times of making and doing.
Whether you’re lighting candles in remembrance, preparing a simple seasonal meal, or taking time to reflect, Samhain offers a meaningful pause before winter fully arrives. It’s a time to honour the cycles of life and death, to connect with those who have come before, and to prepare ourselves for the quieter, darker months ahead.
Wherever you are this Samhain, I wish you a peaceful and reflective time, filled with warmth, remembrance, and a deeper connection to the world around you.