From Samhain to Witches: A History of Halloween in Ireland
This talk delves into the history of Halloween in Ireland, tracing its evolution from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the beginning of winter, to the global celebration we know today.
Dr Andrew Sneddon will uncover how medieval Christian observances such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day became intertwined with older traditions, and how Halloween emerged in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as a night of feasting, games, fortune-telling, masquerading, pranks, lantern carving, and remembrance of the dead.
It follows Halloween's journey across the sea with Irish emigrants, showing how it became a popular national festival in Britain and North America before returning to Ireland in new forms. Along the way, discover how pumpkins replaced turnips, costumes became ever more elaborate, and trick-or-treating became a central feature of the season.
From ancient beliefs to modern commercialism, and from folklore to contemporary neo-pagan revivals of Samhain, this talk reveals how Ireland became entranced with Halloween.
What to Know:
- 40 minute talk with time for questions at the end.
- Taking place in the Picture House.
- Includes admission to the museum’s Halloween celebrations taking place on the same day.
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This talk delves into the history of Halloween in Ireland, tracing its evolution from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the beginning of winter, to the global celebration we know today.
Dr Andrew Sneddon will uncover how medieval Christian observances such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day became intertwined with older traditions, and how Halloween emerged in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as a night of feasting, games, fortune-telling, masquerading, pranks, lantern carving, and remembrance of the dead.
It follows Halloween's journey across the sea with Irish emigrants, showing how it became a popular national festival in Britain and North America before returning to Ireland in new forms. Along the way, discover how pumpkins replaced turnips, costumes became ever more elaborate, and trick-or-treating became a central feature of the season.
From ancient beliefs to modern commercialism, and from folklore to contemporary neo-pagan revivals of Samhain, this talk reveals how Ireland became entranced with Halloween.
What to Know:
- 40 minute talk with time for questions at the end.
- Taking place in the Picture House.
- Includes admission to the museum’s Halloween celebrations taking place on the same day.
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