By Norma Weinberg
There’s more to the story of trick or treat nights, dressing in costume, and begging for candy than you probably know. Halloween’s origin dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced ‘sow-in’). The Celts (spoken as ‘kelts’) lived around 1,000 B.C., mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. The Celts celebrated their New Year on the 1st of November. This day marked the end of summer, the harvest, and the beginnings of a dark, cold winter. It was the time of the year often associated with human death.
Celts believed that on the night before their new year, boundaries blurred between worlds of the living and the dead. On the night of October 31st, they celebrated Samhain, reflecting on the souls of their departed ancestors, who journeyed from the spirit world to the physical world to visit their loved ones. The holiday bonfires and glowing turnips (today’s pumpkins) aided the dead on their journey, lighting their way, while protecting the living.
The October 31st date was known as a halfway point between the Fall Equinox and the Winter Solstice. The Celtic celebration lasted from October 31st to November 1st or 2nd. Death was honored as the great teacher, reminding all that ‘Life is a cherished gift’. Samhain is a special time to be aware of the love and light of those who have passed and even so remain connected with us on earth.
The following plants held magical significance during Samhain:
Acorns (oak nuts): Oaks (Quercus spp.) were sacred. Acorns represented the magic of rebirth. If gathered on a full moon, they were said to attract fairies. Carried in a pocket they would bring good luck. (Note: the practice of ‘knocking on wood for good luck’ began as knocking on an oak tree.)
Apples: Apples (Malus spp.) have been grown for thousands of years in Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean. By A.D. 43 the Roman Empire had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of 400 years of Roman rule in the Celtic lands, two festivals emerged – the Romans had their own holiday to traditionally commemorate the passing of the dead named Feralia, celebrated in February. The second was a day to honor Pomona, goddess of fruit and trees symbolized by the apple. Pomona was incorporated into Samhain.
Some apple traditions: an apple peel thrown over the shoulder, could form the first letter of a true love’s name; peeling an apple in front of a mirror by candlelight might reveal the image of a lover; and, the first person to bite an apple floating in a dish of water would be the first to wed.
Chrysanthemum spp.: The flower’s name is derived from ancient Greek, and the plant has been cultivated as far back as the 15th century B.C. There are numerous species. A bouquet of Chrysanthemums in your home is a good way to remember those who have passed.
Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus): In the mint family, it grows on rocky, steep mountainsides, has fuzzy, silver-white leaves, is aromatic, and has hop-like bracts and violet flowers. Historically it was used as a love spell herb. Dittany incense was thought to soften the pain of a departed soul who died from severe wounds; in truth, wounded goats seek out this herb.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis in the U.S.): The plant with the strongest ties to Halloween was elderberry, a small bushy tree with white flowers and black berries. Elderberry was associated with the Germanic goddess Holle or Hulda, guardian of the dead. The goddess survives today as a caricature of a witch. She helped souls cross over and took messages to them – perhaps written in elderberry juice ink! In the U.S., people carried pieces of the tree’s wood for protection, tied prayers to its branches and left apples as offerings. The elderberry has also been revered for its health benefits – rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum): This is a genus of six species of hallucinogenic plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean and the Himalayas, and noted for potent, long taproots (up to 2 feet in length). The roots somewhat resemble the human form. It is a traditional witch’s herb, used for protection. Whole mandrake roots were regarded as valuable, and passed down through families as heirlooms. One Germanic tradition involves bathing the whole mandrake root in wine or brandy, then sprinkling the “bathwater” around one’s property as a protective shield.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): This herb was considered a powerful talisman, the magic of which could drive away all that is bad: evil spirits, epidemics, and adversity. Its fumes, if breathed in, favor dreams and visions. The Celts seized it at daybreak, walking backward to confuse the traces of evil forces. According to some beliefs, under its roots were forces capable of protecting the person from lightning, plague, and demons. Even St. John the Baptist used to wear a belt of mugwort to keep the devil away. Place mugwort under your pillow to promote gentle, restful, clear dreams.
Rosemary – (Salvia rosmarinus): The scent of rosemary is for remembrance and sometimes sprigs are given to those at a funeral to drop into the open grave, before closing. Hang rosemary bundles in front of your door to keep harmful spirits from entering.
Rowan Berries (Sorbus aucuparia): This tree is found in the Northern Hemisphere and known for its red berries. Historically, it was used to protect against sorcery and faeries. In the British Isles, the tree protects against witchcraft and enchantment. Each berry has a tiny, five-pointed star or pentagram opposite its stalk. You can hang these berry branches over your doors and windows to keep your home full of good energy.
Rue (Ruta graveolens): This species has both female and male plants. It is a strongly scented plant – cats hate the odor! Traditionally, it has been used as an antidote to some poisons, and to poisonous snake bites. Rue was used magically to ward off the ‘evil eye.’
Sage (Salvia officinalis): Salvia is the Latin name for sage, derived from the word salvare which means “to save”, and indicates the healing properties of this plant. It was considered a purifying magical tool and versatile medicinal plant. A tea made with fresh sage, rosemary, and lemon balm seems to help memory issues.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): One of several species of bitter or aromatic herbs or shrubs of the aster family (Asteraceae) that is distributed throughout many parts of the world. It is said to increase psychic powers, aid in calling spirits forward, and help with spell-breaking.
How else can you celebrate Samhain
- Decorate your front door area with the colors of the season – oranges, deep purple, and burgundy
- Carve and light pumpkins
- Bob for apples with family and friends
- Create an indoor prayer circle to connect with your ancestors and honor them
A sample prayer might be:
With the gift of remembrance, I remember you. You are gone, but never forgotten, and you live on within me, and within those who are yet to come.
Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.
Photo Credits:1) Jack o’lanterns (Macwagen); 2) Acorns (PickPik); 3 Pomona by Nicolas Fouché, circa 1700 (Public Domain); 4) Frau Holda by Gustav Richter, 1852 (Public Domain); 5) Mandrake root in its coffin in the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall (Ethan Doyle White) 6) Rowan berries (George Chernilevsky); 7) Chrysanthemums (Pxhere)
References
Celebrating Samhain: Traditions, herbs, symbols and more. Accessed 10/29/2023. Available from https://www.terravara.com/samhain
Myers, Marissa. 2020. Samhain: Traditions, rituals, and herbs for the pagan holiday. Accessed 10/29/2023. Available from http://www.herbstalk.org/blog/all-souls-night-the-feast-of-the-dead-the-day-of-remembrance
The magical properties of dittany. Accessed 8/5/2022. Available from https://mindscauldron.com/themagical-properties of dittany/
Norma Weinberg is a Master Gardener and Education Chair of the New England Unit of the Herb Society of America (NEUHSA).
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