Samhain Symbol PNG
Celtic symbols come from the old times of Europe’s Celtic people and are fascinating. Among many symbols, Samhain stands out. Samhain is a special time for the ancient Celts, much more than a symbol or a holiday. It’s celebrated at the end of October and marks the end of the harvest and the start of winter. Think of it as when fall meets winter, one of the four big fire celebrations throughout the year. Here’s what makes Samhain interesting:
- Change and New Beginnings: Samhain is about the change from the lighter part of the year to the darker one, like moving from life into a quieter, restful time. People believed that during Samhain, the world of the living and the world of spirits were close so they could talk to their ancestors.
- Remembering Loved Ones: It’s also a time to remember and honor family and friends who have passed away. People would have big meals and leave out food and drinks for the spirits, thinking about the cycle of life and death.
- Circles of Time: For the Celts, Samhain was the end of the old year and the start of a new one, showing that everything goes in cycles, like seasons changing or plants growing and then resting.
The central emblem of Samhain is the jack-o’-lantern, a pumpkin with a light inside, which folklore suggests wards off evil spirits. The Celts held a belief that such spirits were especially active during Samhain.
The black cat, often linked with the supernatural and witchcraft, was another emblematic holiday figure.
Depictions of creatures like crows, bats, owls, and spiders, all associated with the macabre or mystical, were commonplace. These animals adorned faces or formed part of the attire in the festivities.
The event also embraced autumnal flora and produce, including acorns, chestnuts, beech nuts, and holly berries, as tokens of the dwindling life force in nature.
Therefore, Samhain’s imagery centers on themes of mortality, the netherworld, evil entities, the onset of winter, and the closure of life cycles, mirroring the ancient Celtic interpretation of the observance.
Today, the tradition of making jack-o’-lanterns comes from the old Samhain practice of carving turnips to keep away spirits, showing how some Samhain customs are still with us.
Samhain is still celebrated in places with strong Celtic roots and has even influenced Halloween as we know it today. It’s a time filled with meaning, focusing on the cycle of life, honoring those who came before us, and the continuous flow of time.
Samhain Tattoo
Getting a Samhain tattoo is a way to celebrate an old Celtic festival right on your skin. It’s a way to respect life’s cycles, feel closer to your ancestors, or celebrate the rich Celtic traditions. These tattoos often include special symbols like the never-ending Celtic knot, showing life going round and round; the raven, known for its connection to magic and future sights; or even things that remind us of Samhain, like bonfires or autumn colors.
Choosing a Samhain tattoo signifies a deep connection with ancient beliefs and a magical time when the world of spirits and the living world were believed to be very close. It’s a way to honor the wisdom of the past and bring its energy into today. These tattoos remind us of our connection to the changing seasons, the importance of remembering those who’ve passed away, and our place in nature’s flow.
