Of all of the Pagan holidays, Samhain is probably the best known. Pronounced “Sowen”, this tradition originated as a Gaelic festival marking the passing of the light time of year into the dark. It was believed that the veils between our world and the Otherworld; the realm of spirits, Gods, and ancestors, grow thin during these liminal times, and therefore the denizens of the Otherworld could slip more easily into our own world.
In keeping with this tradition, modern witches set a plate for our Beloved Dead, that they might join us in feasting while the veils are thin. During this time, we honor our personal ancestors as well as the Mighty Dead; those heroic souls whose mighty deeds have left such an impact as to reverberate through our collective consciousness generation after generation.
Communing with our Dead allows us to ease the longing left in their wake. It gives us a chance to find closure by speaking the words we wish we had spoken in life. Some also practice keening; a style of mournful wailing that allows us to express grief while also creating a bridge that helps the recently deceased find their way to the Afterlife. We will always miss our Beloved Dead; yet feasting with them when the veils are thin allows us to share in the joy of their memory once again.
Many of the customs we know from Halloween originate from the traditions of Samhain. Dressing in costume and going “trick or treating” was intended to mimic the souls of the Dead, that we might receive offerings on their behalf. Not every spirit that slips through is benevolent after all! This practice, called mumming or guising, was believed to appease them and incur their blessing, rather than the mischief some denizens of the Otherworld like to stir up. Appease them with treats, and you avoid their tricks!
Bobbing for apples, another popular Halloween tradition, appears to have been a form of early divination. Whoever managed to catch an apple with just their teeth would be the next to marry.
Of course, Gaelic speaking peoples are not the only ones to honor their Dead at this time. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is also an ancestral celebration. Far more than “Mexican Halloween”, Dia de los Meurtos has its origins in pre-colonial Mezoamerica, through a blending of an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess, Mictecacihuatl, and the later Catholic influence imposed by Spanish colonialism. Mictecacihuatl is the Aztec Queen of the Underworld, and her festivities were once celebrated over a 20-day period. She lives on today as La Santa Muerte.
It is fascinating that two such geographically removed cultures - Gaelic and Mezoamerican - would have evolved such similar practices around honoring the Dead!
How might you celebrate your own Beloved Dead?
Here are a few ideas:
1) Build an Ancestor altar. Place photos, keepsakes, and the favorite foods and beverages of your beloved Dead on the altar, to give them an anchor to the physical realm.
2) Host a “Dumb Supper”, a feast shared in silence with our community and/or our Dead.
3) Read the names of the Dead aloud in sacred space, by candlelight, and recount their deeds.
4) Forge relationships with Deities/Powers who preside over the Underworld and the Dead; Hekate, Persephone, La Santa Muerte, the Morrigan, Anubis, Eshu. (NOTE: When exploring the Gods and traditions of colonized peoples, include in your research their policies on appropriate ways for outsiders to interact with their culture).
5) Sing mournful songs (keening) to open the Western Gate and help usher through any recently Deceased who may have lost their way.
As modern Pagan practitioners, we have found much value in reviving our pre-Christian ancestral traditions. Only two have been featured here, but with a bit of digging, you can find traditions that honor the Dead in any culture. Honoring those who have gone before is a fulfilling and needed aspect to all spiritual practice. May you find honor among your ancestors and your Mighty Dead this season!