Spending Halloween in Edinburgh has at all times been such a dream of mine—the intense autumn leaves, the mysterious castles, the cobbled streets and superb thrift shops. I’ve been excited to maximise the spooky aesthetic this Autumn, so after I lastly received off the waitlist for the Beltane Hearth Society’s Samhuinn Hearth Competition, I purchased the tickets in seconds! I’d heard of Samhuinn earlier than however did a bit of additional analysis beforehand. In case you don’t know, Samhuinn (pronounced “Sa-wayne”) is an historic Celtic pageant that marks the tip of the harvest and the start of the darker half of the 12 months. It’s believed to be when the barrier between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest, permitting mystical beings, like fairies, to wander freely! Though Samhuinn has blended with Christian celebrations like All Hallows’ Day, some conventional customs nonetheless stay in Scotland at this time.
With all of this wealthy historical past in thoughts, I arrived with excessive expectations for the pageant, and it utterly exceeded them. Now, the road was extremely lengthy, stretching practically the entire size of the park, however it moved surprisingly rapidly. Earlier than the performances, I visited a fascinating flower-lit part the place I used to be handed a bit of fabric. The information defined that tying a knot in it and tossing it right into a barrel would launch any adverse power or reminiscence. The performers have been wearing probably the most gorgeous costumes and complex make-up. I used to be amazed on the kindness and compassion they confirmed to each participant, sharing sort phrases and hugs to anybody touched by the ceremony. It made the entire expertise really feel so real and cathartic.
After which, we lastly reached the primary occasion, and it was simply unimaginable. Hooded performers twirled staffs of fireside, a number of sword fights befell with flaming swords, and acrobats painted in brilliant pink fashioned human pyramids that may carry tears to a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. All through the entire efficiency, I struggled to maintain my jaw off the ground. Whereas navigating the gang, I met individuals who had traveled all the best way from Germany, France, and Italy simply to be right here, and I might perceive why—it was probably the most magical, breath-taking expertise. There have been even scrumptious meals vehicles close to the doorway, so I received to make an ideal night extra good with some scrumptious churros that I cut up with my buddies.
In the event you ever end up in Edinburgh in October, you need to put the Samhuinn pageant in your listing. If you go, you should definitely scan the QR code by the door to be taught extra concerning the characters depicted within the efficiency (together with Summer time’s Guard, Torchbearers, Winter’s Guard, Veles, Reds, Samhuinn Stewards, Púcaí, and extra!).
For some extra info:
Beltane.org – Saying our Samhuinn 2024 teams and easy methods to become involved
The Scotsman – Halloween: The bizarre scottish traditions of Samhain
