---en.png?sfvrsn=9a64026a_0&MaxWidth=500&MaxHeight=600&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=82D533C30F16C6FF47C775BA142AD6E8530C4057 "Halloween E-card Version 1 (2) - EN")
Did you know the origins of Halloween trace back over 2,000 years ago to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (Sow-win)? Tourism Ireland is showcasing Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween, and we have produced custom content focused on the history, traditions and fun facts surrounding the celebrations on October 31st.
Assets can be found here with a breakdown of social copy and relevant links in the document below, free to share on your social media channels.
Halloween Traditions in Ireland
Over 2,000 years ago, in Ireland, the ancient Celts celebrated ‘Samhain’ (sow-win), a harvest festival to mark the start of winter. When the veil between this world and the next was at its weakest and spirits – the Púcaí (Púca)– and fairies walked the earth.
Traditions began that last to this day. Large communal bonfires were lit to ward off demons, and embers were carried home in a hollow turnip (the original Jack O’ Lantern), masks were worn as disguises against evil spirits (the first Halloween costumes) and soul cakes were offered to children and the poor (today’s trick or treating).
A barmbrack cake was baked to forecast the future and this fruit loaf is still eaten today. Emigrants brought these customs to North America, then it spread around the world as Halloween. But its spiritual home will always be Samhain in Ireland.
