Ancient people marked their lives by the turning of the sun and the changing of the seasons. Modern pagans have created a Wheel of the Year to mark the quarter days – solstices and equinoxes (Mabon, Yule, Ostara, and Litha) as well as the cross-quarter days – Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine, and Lughnasa. The Wheel also includes Christian holidays that align with these points of the year. Ancient Irish monuments stand to mark their attunement to the sun and moon.
This year, I wanted to become more conversant with the turning of the year. In part, this is an intellectual endeavour to gain greater understanding, but more importantly, it is a way to reconnect me to the natural realm – both the explicable and inexplicable aspects of it.
The Celtic New Year is Samhain, which begins on November 1. In ancient Ireland, the new day begins at sunset. Therefore, the New Year begins at sunset on October 31, which is known as Oíche Shamhna.
This was the end of the growing and harvesting season, and when the fairies would be let loose in the world. Any berries unharvested on November 1 were to be left on the branch because the Púca would spit on the berries, rendering them poisonous to humans.
This was the time of year when accounts were settled – wages were paid to workers, debts repaid to lenders, rents paid to landlords. But it wasn’t all business – there was plenty of merrymaking too – among the humans, but also among the Aos-sí – the fairy folk. They too would travel abroad and in numbers. Humans, therefore, needed to be wary. Walking past a ring-fort, one was at risk of being abducted by the fairies and taken to the Otherworld. The people would weave a Parshell – a Samhain cross – to hang over the doorway on the inside. On Hallowe’en night, the old cross would be removed and a new one hung. The Parshell served as a talisman to ward off bad luck, sickness, and witchcraft.
Fire was an important aspect of festivals in Ireland. At a time of increased darkness, bonfires were lit and household fires put out to be relit from the Samhain fires. People would also dress in costumes to disguise themselves from the fairies, but also as part of a tradition going from house to house collecting food for the feast! The modern trick-or-treating comes from this tradition. Though modern folks seem to have forgotten about the tricks though. Hallowe’en night was a night of mischief. Young people in disguise would play pranks by imitating the spirits and fairies abroad. They would howl and moan under windows, or set up a carved turnip head with a candle lit inside, making a terrifying sight! And, of course, there would be music and dancing and stories to share.
This year, I invite you celebrate the Celtic New Year by coming to dance at Kaleidoscope. Register now for a 6-week Samhain Session:
7pm Monday – ReelRobics: The Irish dance workout! Danced in sneakers, it’s suitable for adults of all abilities from beginners to experienced dancers (Nov. 4 to Dec. 9)
6pm Wednesday – Céilí Club: Irish dance with a community twist! An all-ages class where it’s about laughing, connecting, and creating memories with new friends, rather than focusing on the steps and the patterns (Nov. 6 to Dec. 11).
7pm Wednesday – Feet Music: Adult Beginner Sean-nós Reels. No experience required (Nov. 6 to Dec. 11)
8pm Thursday – Feet Music: Adult Beginner Sean-nós Jigs. No experience required (Nov. 7 to Dec. 12)