When the end of October rolls around, it’s hard to resist the fun of Halloween. But have you ever wondered, What is Halloween, and why do we celebrate it?

The history of Halloween is deeply rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, and it all began right here in Ireland.

Where Halloween Started

In Ireland, the festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-win”) marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain was a time when people believed the boundary between the living and the dead thinned, allowing spirits to cross over. As the darkness of winter approached, people gathered to light bonfires, offer sacrifices and celebrate this “in-between” time. These gatherings were both festive and somewhat eerie, with the belief that the spirits of the dead, faeries, and other supernatural beings wandered freely on Samhain night.

Why Do We Wear Halloween Costumes?

To ward off mischievous spirits, the Celts began a custom that we still continue with Halloween costumes today. People would disguise themselves as ghosts or wear animal skins, hoping to blend in and avoid being recognized by wandering souls. Eventually, this evolved into the Halloween costume tradition we know and love today.

When Irish people emigrated to the United States in the 1800s, they brought these Halloween traditions with them and they continued to evolve. Over time, costumes went from animal skins to witches, vampires, superheroes, and even pop culture figures.

Christianity and All Hallows’ Eve

When Christianity spread through Ireland, Samhain evolved, but many of its elements stayed. The holiday transformed into All Hallows’ Eve (the night before All Saints’ Day) as the Church attempted to replace pagan traditions with Christian ones. Eventually, All Hallows’ Eve was shortened to “Halloween,” the name we know today.

While Halloween grew in popularity, the Irish continued to add their unique traditions to the celebrations, including the eerie jack-o'-lantern. In Ireland, these weren’t carved from pumpkins as we do today. Instead, people hollowed out turnips, creating frightful faces and placing candles inside to ward off evil spirits.  roots.

Halloween in Ireland Today

In Ireland, Halloween continues to hold a special place in our hearts, combining ancient customs with modern-day fun. Today, you’ll find Halloween costumes in Ireland that range from spooky to playful, with people of all ages joining in the festivities.

Families often enjoy Halloween games like bobbing for apples, which is said to have originated from the Roman celebration of Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees. And, of course, there’s trick-or-treating, a blend of ancient Celtic and medieval traditions.

The Connection Between Halloween and Nature

Halloween’s connection to nature runs deep. Samhain, after all, was rooted in the changing of the seasons and the transition from light to darkness. It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter—a time when the earth entered a period of rest and rebirth. This profound relationship with nature was crucial to the Celts, who saw life as a cycle, much like the seasons. Speaking of nature, our brand new design, Nádúr, has just dropped. 

Nádúr means nature in Irish and we wanted to celebrate this connection, Ireland’s lush forests and wild landscapes, from Wicklow’s dense woods to the majestic green of Kerry.

On Halloween, nature is more than just a backdrop; it becomes a bridge between our world and the otherworld. The forests, hills, and rivers are thought to be spaces where faeries, spirits, and other beings may dwell, particularly on Halloween night. This belief is woven into the Irish landscape, reminding us that nature and spirit are forever intertwined.

How to Have a Sustainable Halloween

As an Irish brand rooted in sustainability, Due South sees Halloween as the perfect time to get creative with repurposed or eco-friendly costume ideas. Consider using what you already have, upcycling old clothes, or even swapping costumes with friends to keep Halloween as green as possible. Halloween is a time for creativity and celebration, and with a little effort, it can also be a time for eco-conscious choices that don’t harm the planet.

Why Halloween is the Perfect Time to Celebrate Ireland’s Rich Heritage

Halloween is more than just a spooky night; it’s a celebration of Ireland’s rich heritage and the Celtic culture that has shaped us. Whether it’s through the eerie glow of a turnip lantern or the festive spirit of Samhain, Halloween in Ireland reminds us of our connection to the land, to the cycles of nature and to the generations who have kept these traditions alive.

DUE SOUTH:

Due South is a sustainable and responsible fashion brand based in Dublin. Our unique designs are produced by our founder Paul and showcase all of the beauty and wonders that Ireland has to offer. All our products are made from either 100% organic cotton or 100% recycled materials and are certified vegan friendly. We aim to help protect our planet, for many summers to come.