Samhain is an ancient Celtic Feast and seasonal festival that dates back to pre-Christian times in Ireland, and other Celtic nations like Scotland and Wales. In modern times, people all over the world celebrate Halloween, but very few are aware of its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain – The Celtic New […]
Most Popular Halloween Candy In America – State By State Analysis
Have you ever wondered which candy is most popular in America at Halloween? Does candy corn beat out all other sweet and spooky treats? Today’s post is for Halloween and candy lovers. It’s an interactive map exploring candy favorites throughout America. Simply hover your mouse over the map below to discover the most popular Halloween […]
Easy Pumpkin Carving – Book Giveaway
This Halloween 64 million Americans will carve a pumpkin, but did you know the Irish brought the tradition of carving pumpkins at Halloween to America? Note: This post contains affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission should you choose to purchase a product through this link. The price you pay does not […]
Spiorad na Samhna – A Documentary Film About Halloween in Derry City.
Halloween and fall celebrations are in full swing all around America. Today, I have a little treat for all who are interested in Celtic history and the Irish origins of Halloween. I’m delighted to introduce you to a documentary film all about “Spiorad na Samhna” (phonetically pronounced as “spir-id nah sow-nah”, with “sow” said as […]
Irish Halloween Superstitions Foretelling Romance, Love And Marriage
Move over Valentine’s Day – Halloween is nearly here, and in olden days in Ireland, this was the time of year for predicting romances, just waiting to flourish. The Irish were, and still are, a very superstitious race. Since we will be celebrating Halloween at the end of this month (or all through this month, […]
Happy Halloween 2013
Tomorrow is Halloween or Samhain (Sow-in) as it is called in Irish. It is one of the most important festivals of the ancient Celtic calendar. I must confess, I love Halloween. I have loved it since I was a little girl in Dublin. It comes a close second to Christmas, as one of my favorite […]
Top Ten Reasons I Love Halloween In America
Halloween may have started in Ireland, but Americans truly know how to celebrate in style. Today I share my top ten reasons for loving Halloween – American Style. 1. Halloween – A Month-Long Fall Festival: Halloween excitement first brewed in our house when a lone, dried leaf, floated on a late-summer air current. […]
Irish Tea Brack
Brack is a traditional Irish cake baked at Halloween. The name comes from the Irish word ‘breac’, which means speckled. Fruit freckles every slice of this delicious cake or bread. What makes this cake so much fun is the tradition of baking trinkets inside. I remember chewing each slice, hoping I would be the lucky […]
Halloween – The Irish Connection
Many Americans who are interested in learning more about Ireland and its customs, have asked me this question over the years…. “Do the Irish celebrate Halloween?” Celebrating Halloween is a strong, cultural tradition linking both lands. Photo Credit I have very fond memories of “Trick or Treating” in Ireland, many moons ago. We did […]
Pumpkin Patch Magic
I never realized how truly amazing a trip to a pumpkin patch can be for kids until I moved to Kentucky. The Louisville area is home to many farms, which turn into autumn wonderlands for our children each year. Last year we visited a very small pumpkin patch, which delighted my four children. This year […]
