SAMHAIN

How Halloween was born…

WORDS TO KNOW

Celts- the ancient Irish, Gaels, Welsh, and Bretons.

The word came from the Greek word “Keltoi”

meaning “strangers.”

Samhain (SOW•EN)- the pagan festival that

became today’s Halloween. It literally means

“summer’s end.”

Druid- the priests/priestesses of the Celts’ pagan

faith.

BARMBRACK CAKEIn Gaelic: Báirín Breac (meaning “Speckled Loaf”)

This cake is traditionally baked on Samhain. It is thought to have prophetic powers.

BARMBRACK CAKEIn Gaelic: Báirín Breac (meaning “Speckled Loaf”)

There are 9 things hidden in the cake: 3 rings, 3 coins, and 3 buttons.

BARMBRACK CAKEIn Gaelic: Báirín Breac (meaning “Speckled Loaf”)

Traditionally, the cake contains:• Button/thimble: symbolizes bachelorhood/spinsterhood

• A small piece of cloth or tiny rag: symbolizes poverty

• Coin: symbolizes wealth

• Matchstick: symbolizes the husband will beat the wife

• Gold ring: symbolizes marriage

• Religious medal: symbolizes the recipient is destined for

Holy Orders

BARMBRACK CAKEIn Gaelic: Báirín Breac (meaning “Speckled Loaf”)

Ingredients!

• Tea

• Eggs

• Butter

• Flour

• Sugar

• Milk

• Nutmeg

• Cinnamon

• Salt

• Yeast

• Currants and

raisins

PARSHALLS

These parshells are to be crafted and then hung on your door to ward off evil spirits during Samhain.

Here is what you need to make them:

• Two sticks about 6-12 inches long

• Tape or string to tie the sticks together

• Raffia or straw

PARSHALLS

Instructions:

•Fasten the two sticks together

securely at right angles to form a cross

(use tape or string).

•Untwist raffia and flatten it out but

not too flat-it should resemble corn

stalk/husk.

•Wedge raffia under one and over the

other stick starting in the center.

•Moving clockwise weave the raffia

over one stick and under the next

going around the cross. Stop before

you get to the ends of the sticks -- a

few inches of stick should be exposed.

PARSHALLS

SAMHAIN

How Halloween was born…