The end of October and the beginning of November have long been important all over the Northern Hemisphere. These dates mark the end of the harvest season, when crops are gathered and communities prepare for winter. Many cultures have celebrations at this time to give thanks for the harvest, honour the dead, and mark the change in seasons. One well-known festival is Samhain, and in Spain, people celebrate a similar festival called La Castañada (or Castanyada).
- There is a vocabulary list at the bottom of this article
Samhain: An Ancient Celtic Festival
Samhain (pronounced “sow-en”) is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated mainly in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of the United Kingdom. For the Celts, Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, known as the “dark half” of the year. It was believed that, during this time, the barrier between the world of the living and the dead was thinner. People would light bonfires, wear costumes, and leave offerings to protect themselves from harmful spirits.
Samhain has influenced modern celebrations, including Halloween. Lots of Halloween traditions, like dressing up and carving pumpkins, have roots in Samhain. Today, people in Ireland and Scotland celebrate Samhain with traditional foods, music, and gatherings, connecting with their heritage.
Castañada: Spain’s Harvest Festival
In Spain, especially in Catalonia and Galicia, people celebrate La Castañada on the night of October 31 or November 1. This festival is similar to Samhain in that it is a time to remember the dead and celebrate the end of the harvest. Traditionally, people gather with family and friends to eat roasted chestnuts (castañas) along with sweet potatoes and special pastries called panellets, which are made with almonds and pine nuts.
La Castañada has its roots in older customs when people would stay awake all night to pray for the souls of their ancestors. Eating chestnuts became a tradition because it was a simple food to roast and share while families gathered. Today, many people still observe these traditions, and chestnut stalls appear in towns and cities, adding a cosy feeling to the beginning of November.
The Influence of the Catholic Church
As Christianity spread across Europe, the Catholic Church faced the challenge of converting communities with strong pagan beliefs and traditions. Instead of erasing these customs, church leaders took a creative approach: they adopted these preexisting festivals and gave them Christian meanings. This allowed people to keep familiar celebrations while honouring Christian beliefs.
One significant example is Samhain, which the Church adapted into “All Hallows’ Eve” (now Halloween), “All Saints’ Day” on November 1, and “All Souls’ Day” on November 2. These three days became a time for Christians to remember saints, martyrs, and departed souls. By timing All Hallows’ Eve to match Samhain, the Church made it easier for people to transition to Christianity while respecting their heritage.
In Spain, similar transformations occurred. La Castañada’s themes of honouring ancestors and marking the harvest were adapted to fit into All Saints’ Day observances. Many families now visit cemeteries on this day to clean and decorate graves with flowers, blending Catholic practices with older traditions. This approach allowed the Church to preserve meaningful customs while introducing Christian values, creating traditions that have lasted for centuries.
Other Similar Festivals
Similar festivals exist in other cultures. In Mexico, people celebrate Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, on November 1 and 2. This holiday also honours the dead, but with a colourful and festive approach. Families create altars with flowers, candles, and food to welcome back the spirits of their loved ones.
In Japan, the Obon Festival, held in August, has a similar purpose. Families gather to remember their ancestors, clean graves, and offer food. Each of these festivals reflects the importance of remembering loved ones and celebrating the change in nature as summer ends.
All over the world, different cultures have developed these traditions to give a deeper meaning to the changing of the seasons. They are a wonderful way to connect with family and cultural heritage, appreciate the harvest, and prepare for winter.
Vocabulary:
- harvest – the process of gathering crops
- community – a group of people living in the same place or with a common interest
- ancient – very old; from a long time ago
- festival – a special time or event when people gather to celebrate something
- barrier – something that separates two places or things
- tradition – a custom or belief that is passed down through generations
- heritage – the traditions, beliefs, and history of a group or country
- convert – to change someone’s beliefs or persuade them to adopt a new religion
- martyr – a person who is killed because of their religious beliefs
- honour – to show respect or admiration
- ancestor – a family member from a past generation
- approach – the way you manage or think about a situation
- altar – a table or structure where religious or spiritual offerings are made
Here’s a YouTuber from Ireland talking about Samhain and other related traditions in Scandinavia. Watch it and see how much you can understand!
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