65: Halloween's Origins: Samhain and Día de los Muertos

Insomniacs: The Podcast

In this special Halloween episode, we take a fascinating journey into two ancient holidays that have shaped the way we celebrate Halloween today: Samhain and Día de los Muertos. Join us as we dive into the Celtic origins of Halloween through Samhain as well as the vibrant, heartfelt celebrations of Día de los Muertos, Mexico's Day of the Dead.
Discover how the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, honored the end of harvest and the beginning of winter with bonfires, costumes, and rituals that marked the thinning of the veil between worlds. Learn how traditions like guising (dressing up in costumes), divination rituals for love and fortune, and even the practice of carving jack-o-lanterns are echoed in modern Halloween practices. We also dive into the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos, which focuses on colorful altars, marigolds, and offerings to honor deceased loved ones, celebrating life rather than fearing death.
These two celebrations blend reverence and festivity, bringing warmth and community to the season. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, historical rituals, or rich cultural traditions, this episode is the perfect way to wrap up the Halloween season with a deeper understanding of the origins and evolution of these beloved holidays.
We hope you enjoy this holiday episode, and as always:
Stay Spooky. Stay Safe. And Sweet Dreams!
Sources:
Samhain:
History.com: Samhain
Wiki: Samhain
History of Halloween
History of Samhain
Día de los Muertos:

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