Welcome Samhain
Well folks the year turns. Autumn gives us a final flourish of twirling leaves as we stand on the threshold of the Celtic Winter Quarter, Samhain.
Folklore
In October’s newsletter I mentioned taking a look at folklore specific to Yorkshire and Soul Cakes. The previous post was a steep learning curve and a lengthy process, so today I’ve chosen to combine these two elements. I love to make Soul Cakes each year. Not least because they’re yummy but for giving too.
Historically there’s no Yorkshire folklore specific to Samhain, meaning it wasn’t celebrated in it’s own right. However, it was regarded as a time when diviniation practices were thought to be effective. Here in North Yorkshire it was know as “Nut Crocking Neet.” Love auguries were performed by unmarried girls by throwing nuts into a bonfire. If the nut bounced and broke apart a miserable pairing was foretold. But if it stayed on the fire and burnt rapidly this predicted a happy marriage. Whilst this practice no longer exists (as far as I know) its suggested that apple bobbing was a corrupt remembrance of it.
Spirit Night
Hollantide or Hallowmas is one of the three “Spirit Nights” of the year and traditionally considered to be the most powerful. The foreshadowing of the forthcoming energies of this night often stimulates unease and fear for those which don’t understand them, as such many customs of protection arose. You might think the jack-o-lantern originates from America but here in the UK we have Punkie Night. This originated (and is still practiced) in Somerset, usually on the last Thursday of the month. A Punkie is a hollowed out mangold or manglewurzel with a lit candle inside, much like a jack-o-lantern. Legends to the origins of this practice are shrouded in mystery. It’s thought they were made by village wives. Who went in search of their drunken husbands lost on the way home from Chisleborough Fair. Also perhaps as a defensive boundary to protect the bearer. Do most folks who buy pumpkins each year know the traditions they are practicing? The association of the light in the dark. The protective symbol placed outside the home and the representation of the Lord of Death who’s time will be upon us. A time of honouring ancestors and guiding them home.
Soul Cakes
I found out about Soul Cakes a few years ago. I was searching for something I could make to use as an offering and eat of course. Given their orgins these are perfect and I continue to make them each year at this time. They’re a cross between a scone and cake chock full of dried fruits and mixed spice. Just perfect for the time of year, heading towards Yule. Yikes! Where has the year gone?
The Soul Cake’s orgins are similar in nature to “trick or treat” as it’s also a visiting custom made by children. It was popular at this time of year in the North and West of England, undertaken on All Souls Eve, November 1st. Impoverished children would tour the neighbourhood or village stopping at each house to recite this rhyme:
A Soul Cake, A Soul Cake, Have mercy on all Christian souls for a Soul Cake.
In Yorkshire the householder would be expected to provide a piece of parkin before they moved on to the next house. Parkin is a Northern English type of gingerbread and each area has it’s own characteristics. The difference to gingerbread is it usually contains oats. It’s the stuff of Winter nights and bonfires.
The Practice of Soul Caking arose from the Catholic belief that the souls of the dead undergo purification in purgatory. This is endured before being allowed to enter heaven. Their stretch here could be shortened by the prayers of the living, as a result All Souls Day was set aside. In the Middle ages it became customary for those who were poor to visit their wealthier neighbours and beg for food in the form of a Soul Cake. In return prayers were offered to speed their deceased relatives through purgatory. The reformation cleared away many of these customs but the practice of Soul Caking continued until it waned through the nineteenth century. Even so an isolated practice lasted around South Yorkshire into the late twentieth century.
There are numerous traditions and much folklore surrounding this time of year. I hope you’ve enjoyed our brief journey into a few from Northern England. Many traditions here in the UK are not so different to some of those around the world.
I wish you all good cheer and the warmth of the Samhain fires this Hollantide.
*6 Comments*
I loved reading about these traditions! And thanks to you, I now enjoy making soulcakes for Samhain as well! This year, I also did something else with my kids: we made apple shrunken heads. To do this, we each peeled a small apple and then carved a face in it. Then we soaked the apples in a mixture of lemon juice and salt, carved faces into them and then put them in a dry place for a few weeks. Last night we did a ritual with the wizened little heads that ended with burying them in the dark soil and thanking the seeds hidden inside for their promise of new life after death. I love Samhain so much!🖤🍎
You are welcome Paula. I haven’t come across apple shrunken heads although I’ve read of the real shrunken heads. They sound quite a task to make but I think the promise of new life with the seeds is perfect for this time of year. I always feel, even though the old year is on the wane and every thing is gradually sleeping there’s so much possibility and hope to come. I love this time of year too. It seems to pass in the blink of an eye so I’m doing my best to enjoy every moment.
Mmmm Parkin 🤤 – also yes! Oh my goodness! Where has the time gone indeed?! It’s just flown by! I for one looooove this time of year – however! …. I’m very excited for my Yule tree to come out hehehehe! đź¤
I honestly haven’t thought that far ahead yet , I’m trying to savour what’s left of Autumn and this time of Samhain. 🙂
Hahahaha, oh man, I don’t know why it struck me so funny reading about the wives searching for their drunk husbands, but it did. I instantly thought “Village Wives: searching for their drunk husbands since …….the dawn of time”. hahaha.
Fun read! I love reading about the historical celebrations of Samhain. I haven’t heard of any specific to my area. I think by the time a lot of the settlers came here they were Christian, I’ll have to look into it though. Being of Scottish heritage myself I’ve always done something similar to the old Celtic celebrations. I usually focus on protection and honouring my ancestors and divination!
Ha, I imagine the “village wives” swiped that Punkie up a few heads quite often.:D
I feel Samhain has more folklore attached to it than any other time of year. Maybe that’s because at this time of year the transition from summer is much more obvious. And folks practiced various things to ensure they qot throught the Winter. It just feels a more magical time of year, for me anyway. Those things you mention focusing on lend themselves to this time of year when the shroud of twilight and shorter daylight hours seem to make the magic more tangible. Having said that I haven’t looked at the other seasonal, festival, folklore much yet. So I could be barking up the wrong tree.