Samhain: The Roots of Halloween

A full history of the festival of Halloween

'An excellent and comprehensive exploration of this fascinating subject.' - Philip Carr-Gomm, author Druid Mysteries

'Samhain was the entry point into winter, a time of hardship, cold and hunger ... It was also a time of introspection, of communing with the dead and the otherworld - themes that have somehow survived, albeit distorted, into the modern era.'

The modern celebration of Halloween is derived from the ancient festival of the dead known in Ireland as Samhain. It is from Ireland that we have inherited most of our Halloween traditions, mainly through the diaspora. Delving into the ancient past, this book uncovers the history of this festival in Britain, Ireland and Brittany, including the forgotten goddess Tlachtga and the sacred temple of the Druids in Co. Meath, where the first Halloween fires were lit.

About the Author
LUKE EASTWOOD is a horticulturist, author, artist and musician who lives in County Kerry. He has written books on gardening and folklore and was the co-author for Kerry Folk Tales (THP, 2019). Luke is the founder of the Irish Druid Network. He speaks at many events about his books, Druidry, and social and environmental issues.