The Origins of Halloween

Join Barry Fitzgerald and fellow research Luke Mullholland and Awakening Events Member, as make a mystical journey to the Hill of Ward during Halloween 2024, tracing its path from a sacred ritual and into a vibrant global tapestry of celebration.

Halloween: A Mystical Journey to the Hill of Ward in County Meath

As the leaves begin to crunch underfoot and the air grows crisp with the onset of winter, a palpable shift resonates throughout the ancient landscapes of Ireland. Halloween, a night that thrums with supernatural energy, draws its origins from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhaín (pronounced "sow-in") and has become a commercial success it would seem. When we think of Halloween, many of us picture the extravagant, multi-billion-dollar celebration that dominates the scene in the US, with last year's spending reaching $12.2 billion. However, the holiday's true roots can be traced back to Celtic culture.

This festival, deeply rooted in the heart of the Irish people, was celebrated primarily in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, marking the transition from harvest to winter. Observed traditionally from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st, Samhaín embodies a mystical liminal space where the boundary between the living and the dead becomes especially thin.

Dr Kelly Fitzgerald, head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore at University College Dublin states, "It's much older than people think, it can be traced back thousands of years to a cross-quarter day in the Celtic calendar that is halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice."

Mysteriously, as Halloween approaches, one can almost feel an electric buzz in the night air, a haunting echo of ancient chants and flickering bonfires. For those who grew up on the emerald isle, this essence is more than just an observation—it is a visceral part of their veins, a recognition of something profound that transcends time and culture.

The Celts, interpreting the rhythms of nature, believed that during Samhaín, the spirits of the departed would return to their homes. To ward off these wandering souls, people would don disguises and light bonfires, evoking flames of protection and offering warmth against the encroaching chill of winter.

Samhaín also resonated with the practice of divination, where rituals unfurled in the soft glow of flickering lights as the ancients sought glimpses into the future, particularly regarding the forthcoming harvest.

In a historical context, the Celts began their migration to Ireland around 500 BCE during the early Iron Age, reshaping the cultural landscape with their language, beliefs, and societal structures. As Christianity began to seep into the ancient heart of Ireland, many of these pagan traditions were woven into the fabric of Christian practice, birthing All Saints' Day on November 1st, with the preceding evening evolving into what we now know as Halloween.

The Enigmatic Hill of Ward: A Portal to the Past

Nestled near the village of Athboy in County Meath lies the Hill of Ward—an ancient landmark steeped in myth and history. This hill holds a sacred space within Irish tradition, intertwined with the legendary Tuatha Dé Danann,  ethereal beings believed to have descended from the heavens. The very soil of the Hill of Ward is whispered to possess an otherworldly charm, its rich history evident in the earthworks and burial mounds that scream of ancient rituals and spiritual significance.

The hill carries the weight of legends, most notably tied to the epic tale of the 'Cattle Raid of Cooley,' a story that speaks of bravery, betrayal, and magic. In the dimming light of October, echoes of ancient ceremonies seem to dance around the hilltop, where bonfires of yore were said to blaze brightly, serving as beacons of hope and reminders of a community bound by shared beliefs and heritage.

Even today, as shadows lengthen and the cold winds howl, the tradition of lighting great bonfires at Samhaín persists. These beacons not only signal the beginning of winter, but also serve as an invitation to commune with ancestors lost to the shadows.

The flames flicker and sway, instilling a sense of reverence for the past and reflection on cycles of life that weave the fabric of human existence.

Modern Celebrations and the Eternal Spirit of Samhaín

As centuries rolled on, Halloween evolved into a tapestry of community bonding and celebration, with various cultural elements seamlessly stitched into its narrative. In the 19th century, Irish immigrants revived the spirit of Samhaín in the United States, infusing the festivities with trick-or-treating, costumed revelry, and whimsical gatherings.

A Spellbinding Connection

The Hill of Ward transcends mere geography; it embodies a profound spiritual connection that intertwines community, continuity, and souls across generations. As Halloween night approaches, the air grows thick with the essence of ancient prayers mingling sweetly with the laughter of children adorned in costumes.

The spirit of Samhaín meanders through time, weaving an unbreakable thread between the past and the present.

With each Halloween celebration, from the trick-or-treating of modern times to the flickering fires of the ancients, the essence of Samhaín endures. The Hill of Ward stands as a sentinel of this cherished tradition, its rugged beauty and enigmatic history serving as a constant reminder of humanity's delicate balance between life and death. As the veil between worlds thins, the echoes of the past call out, beckoning us to listen, remember, and celebrate the magical tapestry of our shared existence.

Attending the Festival

My times attending the festival especially took on an enchanting atmosphere as participants gathered at dusk, their paths illuminated by the flickering glow of flaming torches.

These beacons of light cast dancing shadows upon the historic landscape, leading the way towards the legendary Hill of Ward. As they walked, the air grew thick with reverence, as if the earth itself recognized the gravity of the night.

Along the route, druidic-style seers emerged from the dusky hedgerows, cloaked figures embodying the wisdom of ages past. Their presence instilled a sense of respect rather than ridicule, inviting onlookers to ponder the ancient customs that bind us to our ancestors. These guardians of knowledge shared tales of old, teaching that Samhain is not merely a moment to remember the deceased, but a time to celebrate their lives and the contributions they made.

Upon reaching the summit of the Hill of Ward, the gathering transformed. Controlled fire celebrations erupted, illuminating the night sky with a magical glow. The air vibrated with the rhythms of traditional music, laughter echoing through the crisp autumn night. Friends and families came together to share stories, ensuring that the memories of loved ones would continue to live on in the hearts and minds of the living.

This captivating night, steeped in a blend of solemnity and joy, encapsulated the true spirit of Samhain. It served not only as a reminder of mortality but also as an affirmation of life's vibrant continuity, where the flames of fire symbolize both remembrance and renewal, bridging the realms of the living and the dead.

However, the success of Halloween has drew the interest of deep pockets, marking a profound change from the site formerly known for Halloween. A combination of recent destructive behaviour by some visitors forced the private landowners to control access to only those who purchased a €25 ticket who then gained brief access to the landmark over the Halloween festival. Now with the assistance of the Irish Tourist board the festival has been moved to the park green in Athboy, a few kilometres from the Hill of Ward.

Visiting the Hill of Ward on Halloween both myself and fellow researcher /Awakening Events member Luke Mulholland had an informal chat with the current landowner who explained the difficulty they experienced over the years and the hopes for the future of the festival, now absorbed into the remixed version known as the Puca Festival.

The diversification of current farming practises in combination with a loyalty to the heritage and preservation of the land has seen the metamorphosis of the Samhaín festival not only shift gears into a more globally attractive festival but also its location on the Irish map.

Speaking to a variety of visitors at the event I learned they came from all over the world, including, Brazil, New Zealand, America, India and England proving the success of the festivals new look and its growing adaptive appeal for the new generations.

Yet, for those who hold memories close, the celebration of Halloween in Co. Meath was once a deeply significant cultural ritual, a luminous procession that guided us toward the sacred, each flickering torch a beacon calling forth the return of our ancestors. In an island increasingly rich in cultural diversity, we have paved a path for all, a testament to our shared history and a glimmer of hope for the future. Amidst the shadows of remembrance, we embrace the promise of connection and renewal, believing that from the past, we may yet forge a brighter tomorrow, one torch at a time.