Samhain and Guising

Halloween began as the ancient Celtic pagan festival of Samhain. This festival marked the end of the summer weather and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that Samhain was when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest allowing ghosts and ghouls to pass back through. So on Samhain, when restless spirits would wander, children would disguise themselves by dressing up as ghouls and ghosts to blend in and protect themselves.

It's also said that children would use this opportunity to go knocking on doors where wary residents who thought they were apparitions would give them offerings to appease and keep them away. This is why trick-or-treating in Scotland is called Guising.

Guising is more of an event in Scotland, and in the Glen, as children must perform for their treats. I might live rurally but I did get one set of guisers at the door. I was asked to answer three clever riddles, which I failed, and then presented them with sweets for thier efforts.

Historically, Celtic communities would create huge fires for Samhain. Fire was thought to keep malicious spirits at bay so people would also carve lanterns out of turnips and carry them around.

The ancient Gaels worshipped a number of Gods. These gods tended to be connected to the weather and the natural environment and it was the dangerous Ice Queen of winter that was the most powerful. She was known as the Cailleach. It was around this time of year, Samhain, when summer goddess Brid's grasp weakened and the more formidable Cailleach began to take control.

Winter was seen as the most dangerous and destructive time of year, and was often associated with death. It was a time when lives were vulnerable and even the landscape could change through violent storms, floods and ice. This is likely why the ancient Gaels held the most respect for the Ice Queen. Above is my take on the Cailleach for a future lino print!