The Pagan Meaning of Halloween: Celebrating the Spirit World

When you think of Halloween, you likely imagine jack-o-lanterns, costumes, and trick-or-treating. But did you know that this holiday has roots in ancient pagan traditions?

For pagans, Halloween—or Samhain, as it was originally called—is a time to honor the thinning of the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead. It is a time to celebrate and connect with the spirit world, and to honor those who have passed on.

The Origins of Halloween

Samhain was one of the four major festivals of the ancient Celtic calendar, and marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead became blurred, and spirits could pass through to our world.

The Celts believed that these spirits could be both helpful and harmful, and that it was important to honor and appease them. They would leave offerings of food and drink for the spirits, and would light bonfires to scare away any malevolent entities.

Halloween Today

While many of the traditional pagan customs of Samhain have been lost over time, some of the symbolism remains. For example, the jack-o-lanterns that we carve today were originally made from turnips or potatoes, and were used to ward off evil spirits.

Many people also still hold celebrations and rituals to honor their ancestors and connect with the spirit world on Halloween. Some pagans light candles or perform divination, while others hold a dumb supper—a silent dinner in which they invite their departed loved ones to join them.

Celebrating Halloween as a Pagan

If you are a pagan or are interested in exploring pagan traditions, there are many ways to celebrate Halloween that honor its original meaning:

• Hold a ritual or ceremony to honor your ancestors or connect with the spirit world.
• Light candles or incense to create a sacred space and invite in positive energy.
• Decorate your home with symbols of the season, such as pumpkins, acorns, or leaves.
• Prepare a feast and leave offerings for the spirits, or hold a dumb supper to honor your departed loved ones.

Whether you choose to celebrate Halloween as a pagan or simply enjoy the more secular traditions, it is important to remember the holiday’s origins and honor the spirit world. Happy Samhain!