Samhain Traditions and Customs

Every society, throughout history, has found some way to attend to the proper care of their dead. Let's look at some of the different methods in which various cultures have said farewell to their loved ones.

We all love to trick or treat each year, but how did this custom evolve? Find out what the purpose is behind the tradition -- and how it's bloomed into a multi-million dollar industry!

It's Samhain, and pumpkins are everywhere! If you've ever gone out trick-or-treating, chances are good you've seen a carved jack-o-lantern grinning at you from someone's window. But where did this unusual custom originate?

Ever wonder about the superstition of black cats being bad luck? And how did these feline lovelies become part of the Halloween and Samhain traditions? After all, this Sabbat wouldn't be the same without images of black cats on display!

In addition to all the magic we can conjure up at Samhain, there are a number of legends and bits of folklore associated with this holiday. Learn about some of the superstitions surrounding Samhain and Halloween.

In Mexico, many people celebrate the Day of the Dead. How did this holiday evolve as a blend of old Pagan customs and modern Christian tradition?

In some of the Celtic countries, it became tradition to light a "Needfire" at the time of Samhain. Find out what this fire was for, and what was so special about lighting it.

In parts of Europe, the Samhain season brings Nut Crack Night. It's a perfect time to do some divination, particularly if you want to know what the future holds for your relationship!

A reader is wondering why there are no vampires mentioned in the books she's been reading about Wicca. Although vampires have nothing to do with Wicca or other forms of Pagan religion, there are still some great fictional works out there to read if you enjoy vampire mythology.

Depending on where you live, you probably see spiders starting to emerge from their hiding spots at some point in the summer. By fall, they tend to be fairly active because they’re seeking warmth. Don’t panic, though – most spiders are harmless, and people have learned to co-exist with them for thousands of years. Nearly all cultures have some...