T.C. Fenwick's Art

The Samhanach

(Sah-wa-nock)

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              In the time of the Ancient Celts of the British Isles they would celebrate the coming of winter in a festival called Samhain (Sah-win). It was a time of magic, feast, and fear of the dark cold winter to come. They would light fires in honor of the sun god Lugh, in hopes that he would return the sun back to them in the spring.

The Celts believed that during these times the veil between the other realms would be the thinnest. They believed that they could see into the Spirit Realm and commune with the deceased. They also believed it was the time when the Faerie Realm would open and the bogies and fae would be more active. To appease them from causing mischief and harm it was best to leave food, treats, and drink for them. If left these treats instead of causing mischief they could bring good luck into the home for the year.

             The Scottish had a name for a specific bogy or goblin, The Samhanach, which only came out during the night of Samhain. If he is fed his treats and treated nicely through the evening he will return to his home underground and there, rest until the next Samhain Night. If you do not appease his wishes then he will cause problems for you and your home the rest of the year. It was best to leave a little something for him on Samhain Night for a chance of good luck to grace your home rather than the bad luck which could ruin it.

 

The Samhanach in America

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              When the people of Celtic decent started to settle in the Americas they brought there traditions with them as well as a few of there other inhabitants, such as fae and bogies. Over time Samhain started to change, keeping some of it's ancient traditions and evolving them into something new. The name Samhain began to change into what is now Halloween.

             I have heard tales of a few Scottish families who adored there Samhanach so much that when they sailed over to America they happened to sneak one in there luggage. I have also heard that the Samhanach will sometimes migrate in small groups to find new land and inhabitants to make mischief upon, or bring good luck, depending on how well one is treated. The Samhanach like to live under the home or in barrows near the residence.

           Over the years of living in America the Samhanach have grown quite fond of Halloween Candy. It is best to leave a piece or two for them on Halloween night. The more candy and sweet treats you leave for the Samhanach, the better your chances of making the Samhanach happy and having good luck for the rest of the year. So remember to never neglect your Samhanach and he will bring good luck and keep the bad spirits away.

-T.C. Fenwick

 

©T.C. Fenwick 2020