#samhuin

One of the odd hobbies I have is buying things from the dollar store, and repainting them. I suppose I like transforming them into something that fits me better.

During Samhuinn, while the veil is at its absolute thinnest, even the dead are said to walk with us. That lead to traditions, such as mumming and guising, but also carving turnips. That’s right, turnips.

Neep lanterns. PIC: John Gray Centre, Haddington

While pumpkins might be the star of the show now, historically, it was turnips. Of course, they are much harder to carve, so it is no wonder that they were replaced. Turnips were carefully carved, lit with a candle, and carried about. These were called “neep lanterns.”

A traditional Irish turnip Jack-o’-lantern from the early 20th century. Photographed at the Museum of Country Life, Ireland.

It was not all scary, however. This was also the time to be visited by missed loved ones, so people would welcome them in with a warm fire, and food a drink just for them.

"All over Europe, the souls of the departed were believed to revisit their old homes on the eve of Allhallows and warm themselves at the fire or regale themselves with the food and drink left out for them by their kinsfolk." The Silver Bough: Volume 1  by F. Marian McNeill (1957-1968)

Also out and about, however, were fairies, and they showed themselves in all sorts of ways.

"Mysterious lights, that have no apparent association with future events, are said to be seen periodically at certain places. One such light, it is said, appears on the Beacon Rock at the entrance of Loch Toscaig, in Applecross, on Hallowe’en night, and has done so from time immemorial." "Folk-Lore from the West of Ross-shire" By Rev. C. Robertson(1905)

An example of this is the story of the man and the fairy mound that was once told all over Scotland with various tiny changes. I will do my best to merge them in this brief overview.

Two men are on their way home at night on Halloween when they see a dwelling open with warm lights, music, and dancing within. Without any hesitation, one of the men strides right on in to join in with the fun, while the other is suspicious. During his hesitation, the door closes, trapping his friend inside.

Because of the mysterious circumstances, everyone put the blame on him for his friends disappearance, and even suggested murder.

A whole year passed by, and when Halloween came again, there was his friend, still dancing, though, half-dead with fatigue. To save him, the young man puts an iron needle in the door, which will kept the magic from closing it on him, and stepped in to rescue his friend. Despite his state, the friend begged to keep dancing until the song was done.

When he was dragged outside, he was only skin and bone.

“I had mind it was Halloween . . . the wee callans were at it already, rinning aboot wi’ their fause-faces on and their bits o’ turnip lanthrons in their haun.”

For @flower-in-the-ashes who so politely requested:

Samhuin (or spelled: Samhain or Samhuinn) - PRONOUNCED: sow-IN

Alban Arthan - AHL-bahn AR-than

Imbolc - IM-bulk

Alban Eiler - AHL-bahn eye-ear

Beltaine (or spelled Beltane) - BELL-taine

Alban Hefin - AHL-bahn HALF-fin

Lughnasadh - LOO-nah-sah