Understanding Halloween

What is the Spiritual Meaning Behind Halloween

The Ancient Celts believed Samhain to be a time when the “veils between the physical and spiritual planes were thinned”. During this time, they believed dead spirits were free to roam until dawn. The Druid Celtic priests believed Samhain was a time they could easily tap into the spiritual realms. The priests held ceremonies to divine the health of tribesmen, make powerful predictions, and come up with elixirs to cure sickness. Samhain was also considered to be a night when the physical plane was overrun by magic. The Ancient Celts were very superstitious and thought some Souls that were set free may be jealous of the living, and therefore, malicious. They set out food and wine for the good Souls of their departed ancestors to allow them a brief loving visit home. And, they disguised themselves in scary masks to trick the malicious spirits into thinking them one of their own! Some of the Celts who were dressed in ghoulish masks, even marched in parades to lead the unwanted spirits out of town. While others, tried to appease the bad spirits by offering them sweets and treats!

Is Halloween the Same as All Hallows Eve

After thousands of Pagans were baptized into Christianity, the Church looked to ways to turn Pagan rituals into new Christian ones. All Saint’s Day, aka All Hallows, was the church’s attempt to turn the night of Samhain into a more holy day that honored Saints with feasting and celebrations. Instead of remembering the dead with sacrifices and setting out food and wine to appease spirits, the church asked members to honor the dead with prayers. They also began the tradition of baking what were known as “soul cakes” that were given to the poor who prayed for the dead. “Soul Cakes” were a beautiful charitable custom that ensured the poor people had plenty to eat and celebrate on All Hallows as well. Over time, this custom grew into young men going from house to house singing to ask for food, money, or ale instead of “soul cakes.” The early Roman Catholic Church is therefore attributed with naming Halloween. Their All Saint’s Day was also known as All Hallows. Despite the early church’s efforts, many still celebrated their festivities the night before November 1st, making it All Hallows’ Eve. This eventually got adapted into Hallowe’en, then simply Halloween.

Embrace this time and open you hearts to your loved ones and guides and you never know what you will receive.

Happy Fall and Happy Halloween!