Celebrating Samhain With Children

Samhain was a principal holiday for the ancient Celtic people and it remains an important celebration for pagans in modern times. Samhain marks the end of the agricultural season and the beginning of a New Year.

During Samhain, we honor our ancestors, thank the livestock for all they have given us, and enjoy the fall harvest. It is a wonderful holiday to bring families closer together.

This article is geared towards people with young children ages 2 - 12 and is full of ideas and activities to experience Samhain in a traditional pagan fashion (not just a secular Halloween).

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Family Altar

This is a time to decorate your family altar. Go on a nature hike, to a farmers market, and into your family photo album to find things for your Samhain altar.

Some great ideas include:

• Fall fruits such as apples, acorn squash, and pumpkins

• Leaves and nuts

• Orange and black candles

• Pictures of your grandparents and objects that reflect your family ancestry

• Grave rubbing, skulls, bones

Storytelling

This was a season for telling stories. Traditionally Samhain was a time to tell stories about our ancestors.

Pass on family stories and traditions to your children. Get out pictures and tell them about your childhood and great-grandparents or other family members that are no longer alive.

Talk about the country your ancestors immigrated from or what Native tribe you descended from. Read folklore from that place.

Around the World

All Saints' Day or All Hallows (Christian)

This holiday stems directly from Samhain and was a way to Christianize the pagans. It celebrates the Saints and other Christian martyrs. People visit the graves of loved ones and bring flowers and offer prayers.

Baba Yaga (Russian)

A famous witch who lives in the forest. She is a crone known as the gatekeeper to the underworld and a guide through the forest. When she encounters people in the forest she may help, hinder or even eat them. This is where the story of Hansel and Gretal comes from.

Cailleach, the Ruler of Winter (Scottland/Ireland)

An old hag or crone is often pictured with one eye. She appears in late fall and is the counterpart to Brighid. She is sometimes pictured riding a wolf and carrying a hammer and protects wild animals.

Legend says she will come to a hero and if she is treated well she will turn into a beautiful young lady who rewards him.

Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos (Mexico)

Associated with All Saints Day this Hispanic version is more of a celebration. People go to cemeteries where they have picnics and play games. It’s popular to give candy skulls to children and marigolds (the flower of the dead) to female family members.

Hecate (Greek)

Goddess of Magic, witchcraft, the moon, and guardian of the crossroads. She is a gatekeeper to the spirit world. Hecate watched over animals and is often portrayed with her dog. She is also associated with plants, especially poisonous ones.

Inanna (Sumer)

A goddess from Ancient Mesopotamia visits the underworld in search of her sister Ereshkigal. There she is deemed unworthy and killed. However, her sister pleads for her life and Inanna is rescued and returned to earth. She was also known as Ishtar in Babylonia.

For some more ideas Read our article Samhain: Connecting With The Spirit World

Cemetery Visit

Visit a cemetery in your community. If you have an ancestor buried there you can tend to their gravesite, remember them with stories, and leave some artificial flowers or dried herbs in remembrance (or something else the cemetery allows).

If you do not have a loved one in a cemetery local to you, pick a grave that looks neglected. Honor that person by cleaning up the gravesite and leaving flowers.

Making a rubbing of a gravestone is a fun way to connect. Hold a white sheet of paper against the stone on a relief area. Using the side of a crayon rub it against the paper.

When doing a grave rubbing be respectful of the stone and the space. Be respectful of where you are stepping and also people who are in the grieving process.

Check out our NEW book on Celebrating Samahin with your family and friends. On sale with Amazon for $7.99

Samhain Nature Walk

This is a great time to take a walk in nature and talk about the cycles of life with your children. Walk in the woods and discuss why the leaves are falling off the deciduous trees and why squirrels are gathering nuts.

A praire is going through changes at this time too. Flowering plants are making seeds and dying back. Birds such as finches are busy eating the seeds.

Even in the desert, there are changes taking place in the fall. Nights get cooler, cacti bloom and change colors, and some animals such as snakes go into borrows.

Wherever you live you can find some natural examples of death that teach the circle of life.

Check out this fun, spooky wildlife activity book for kids. Written by our founder.

Feasting

So much wonderful food this time of year. Make some fall dishes as a family.

If you are omnivores make a special point to thank all the meat animals for providing you with food. Both omnivores and vegetarians can thank the farmers for growing the crops.

If you have your own garden go out and offer thanks and prayers to the diety of your choice for a good harvest.

Talk about all the things you are grateful for.

Set a place at the table for your ancestor(s).

If your children are older and can be quiet have a Dumb Supper to honor those that have passed. (Dumb means silent)

Step-by-Step Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 pre-made pie crusts (or make your own if preferred)

• 6-7 medium-sized apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Take out your pre-made pie crusts from the refrigerator if using store-bought. If making crust from scratch, prepare it following your preferred recipe.
3. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Pour the whisked mixture over the apples in the large bowl, making sure they are evenly coated. Add the lemon juice and gently toss the apples to incorporate all the ingredients.
6. Carefully transfer one of the pie crusts into a 9-inch pie dish, pushing it gently against the bottom and sides of the dish.
7. Spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly and ensuring there are no gaps.
8. Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of unsalted butter.
9. Place the second pie crust over the apple filling, and trim the excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Pinch the edges of the crusts together and crimp them to seal the pie.
10. Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. This prevents the pie from becoming soggy.
11. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, and sprinkle the sugar over it for an added touch of sweetness and a golden finish.
12. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow during baking. This also allows for easy handling.
13. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
14. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the pie to set and helps in easy slicing.
15. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy the delicious and easy homemade apple pie with your loved ones, making every bite a delightful experience!

Community Service

Holidays are a wonderful time to help others in need. Choose something your family or children want to support.

Some Samhain ideas:

• Help in an animal rescue or specifically a black cat rescue (sadly there is a high abuse rate for black cats)

• Go to a senior center and talk to the elderly about their ancestors.

• Take flowers to a cemetery. Cemeteries often require artificial flowers in fall and winter and may have rules about grave decor.

• Samhain is about letting go both physically and emotionally. Clean closets and donate extra things to charity.

Samhain Family Magic

Much of the magic we do as witches and pagans may be beyond the scope of young children. However, there are many fun magical activities to do as a family.

Ways to Include Children in Magic Spells
When it comes to practicing magic, involving children can be an enriching and educational experience. It allows them to develop a deeper connection with the natural world and their own spiritual growth. Here are some delightful ways to include children in magic spells:
1. Storytelling Spells: Engage children's imagination and creativity by incorporating spells into storytelling sessions. Craft a magical narrative where they take on the roles of characters with special powers. As the story unfolds, encourage them to visualize the desired outcome, strengthening their manifestation skills.
2. Herb Gathering: Take children on an adventure to collect herbs and flowers that represent different magical intentions. Teach them about each plant's properties and purposes. To make it even more enthralling, challenge them to find specific plants in a scavenger hunt, making use of their observational skills.
3. Wish Jars: Help children create wish jars by filling small, decorative containers with items representing their desires. This could include dried flowers, meaningful charms, or colored paper with written intentions. As the children carefully place each item into the jar, guide them to focus their positive energy and visualize their wishes coming true.
4. Candle Magic: This gentle and visually engaging practice is perfect for children. Let them choose their own candle based on its color symbolism, and then teach them how to infuse it with their intentions. Supervise them carefully as they light the candle and encourage them to visualize their desires manifesting as the flame flickers.
5. Nature Altars: Encourage children to connect with nature by creating their own mini altars. Take them on nature walks to collect natural treasures like leaves, stones, and feathers, and provide a dedicated space indoors or outdoors for their altar. Teach them to express gratitude and set intentions for the items they place there.
6. Kitchen Magic: Involve children in simple kitchen spells by letting them add herbs and spices to meals while focusing on the desired outcome. Encourage them to stir the pot clockwise, visualizing their intentions being infused into the food. This helps them understand the concept of energy transfer and enhances their connection to the magic.
7. Symbolic Crafts: Engage children in crafting activities that represent their desires. This could involve creating personalized sigils, making dreamcatchers to ward off nightmares, or designing protective amulets. Explain the significance of each craft and encourage them to infuse it with their intentions and magical energy.
8. Moon Rituals: Teach children about the phases of the moon and the significance of each one. Engage them in simple rituals, such as charging crystals in the moonlight, writing down intentions and burying them under the light of the Full Moon, or having moonlit meditation sessions. This fosters a deeper connection between children and the celestial energies.

Remember, when including children in magic spells, it is essential to prioritize their safety and age-appropriate practices. Their participation should be encouraged, but always under adult supervision. Allow their curious minds to explore and embrace the wonder of the magical realm in a responsible and nurturing environment.

Herbal Sachets

Using a mesh cloth fill it with herbs that reflect something the child desires. Are they anxious about schoolwork? Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm are all kid-friendly herbs that help reduce anxiety.

Place the herbs in the center of the cloth, pull up the sides, and tie a ribbon around them to hold the herbs in.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making an Herbal Sachet to Help with Anxiety

Materials Needed:

• A small drawstring bag or a square of fabric (approximately 6x6 inches)

• Calming herbs of choice (such as lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, or valerian root)

• Scissors

• Needle and thread (if using fabric)

• A small bowl

Step 1: Choosing the Calming Herbs

Select the herbs that you find most soothing and calming. Lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian root are popular choices for reducing anxiety. Choose one herb or a combination of them based on your personal preferences and any allergens you may have.

Step 2: Preparing the Herbs

Measure out the desired amount of herbs, depending on how strong you want the scent to be. Roughly 2-4 tablespoons of dried herbs should be sufficient. You can adjust the amount to your liking.

Step 3: Cutting the Fabric (Skip this step if using a ready-made bag)

If using fabric, cut a square piece approximately 6x6 inches in size. You can use scissors to achieve a clean edge.

Step 4: Creating the Sachet

Place the herbs in a small bowl and mix them gently to combine. If using ready-made bags, skip to the next step. Otherwise, if using fabric, fold the square in half diagonally to create a triangle, and then fold it in half again to make a smaller triangle.

Step 5: Sewing the Sachet (Skip this step if using a ready-made bag)

Thread the needle and knot the end. Starting from one corner of the folded fabric, sew along the two open sides, leaving the third side open for filling. Use small, even stitches to sew the edges together securely. When you reach the end, knot the thread and trim any excess.

Step 6: Filling the Sachet

Carefully pour the mixed herbs into the sachet, making sure not to overfill. Leave enough room for the herbs to move around a bit, allowing their scent to be released.

Step 7: Closing the Sachet

If using fabric, fold the open side of the sachet inward and sew it shut using the same needle and thread. If using a ready-made bag, simply pull the drawstring tightly to close it.

Step 8: Activating the Sachet

Once the sachet is complete, gently squeeze it to release the herbal scents. Take a moment to inhale the soothing fragrance and visualizing your anxiety dissipating. Place the sachet near your bed, in your pocket, or anywhere you find it convenient to have a calming aroma.

Step 9: Refreshing the Sachet

Over time, the scent of the herbs may fade. To refresh the sachet, simply give it a gentle squeeze or open it up and add a few drops of essential oil if desired.
Remember, an herbal sachet is a natural aid to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. However, it is not a substitute for seeking professional help if your anxiety symptoms persist or worsen.

Divination

Make a simple pendulum by wrapping a crystal or favorite stone in wire and attaching to a string. Talk about how a pendulum can connect with our energy and help us make decisions.

Choose a straight stick from the yard or nearby park to make a wand. Peel off the bark and decorate. You can wrap with colorful ribbons, decorate using glitter paint and glue a small crystal to the end.

This Tarot For Kids is a perfect introduction to tarot cards.

Resources

Children’s Books

1. Celebrating the Great Mother: A Handbook of Earth-Honoring Activities for Parents and Children by Cait Johnson. This book is a collection of activities for children to explore earth-based spirituality.

2. The Ancient Celtic Festivals: and How We Celebrate Them Today by Claire Walker Leslie.

Go through the Ancient Celtic year and discover how and why they celebrated.

3. Nature Journal For Little Explorers by the Monkey & Bean Book Company

A great way to get kids involved in nature is with journaling. This journal has lots of prompts such as “what did you hear”? There are places to write or draw your responses.

4. Babushka Baba Yaga by Patricia Polacco. A bit of a spin. This Baba Yaga is not an old hag but a kindly elderly woman.

Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of CPH and raised two sons. She loves to share pagan holiday ideas with families.