Announcing my first annual Samhain Giveaway!
Because my work has been so deeply inspired by the Celtic myths and legends of my Irish forebears, it seems only fitting that—as the holiest day on their calendar approaches—I should do my own little bit to make the barriers between the natural and the supernatural that much thinner. So I’m offering a free book giveaway from the Matter of Manred Saga!
What is Samhain?
Samhain (pronounced SAH-win or SOW-in) is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the “darker half” of the year. Traditionally, it’s celebrated from the very beginning of one Celtic day to its end, or in the modern calendar, from sunset on 31 October to sunset on 1 November, placing it about halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. It’s one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Imbolc, Beltane and Lughnasadh. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Similar festivals are held at the same time of year in other Celtic lands; for example the Brythonic Calan Gaeaf (in Wales), Kalan Gwav (in Cornwall), and Kalan Goañv (in Brittany).
Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins and there is evidence it’s been an important date since ancient times. The Mound of the Hostages, a Neolithic passage tomb at the Hill of Tara, is aligned with sunrise on Samhain. It’s mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and many important events in Irish mythology happen or begin on Samhain. It was the time when cattle were brought back down from the summer pastures and when livestock were slaughtered for the winter. As at Beltane, special bonfires were lit. These were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers and there were rituals involving them. Like Beltane, Samhain was seen as a liminal time, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld could more easily be crossed. This meant the Aos Sí, the ‘spirits’ or ‘fairies’, could more easily come into our world. Most scholars see the Aos Sí as remnants of the pagan gods and nature spirits. At Samhain, it’s believed that the Aos Sí needed to be propitiated to ensure that the people and their livestock survive the winter. Offerings of food and drink were left outside for them. The souls of the dead were also thought to revisit their former homes seeking hospitality. Feasts were had, at which the souls of dead kin were beckoned to attend and a place set at the table for them. Mumming and guising were part of the festival, and involved people going door-to-door in costume (or in disguise), often reciting verses in exchange for food. The costumes may have been a way of imitating, and disguising oneself from, the Aos Sí. Divination rituals and games were also a big part of the festival and often involved nuts and apples. In the late 19th century, Sir John Rhys and Sir James Frazer suggested that it was the “Celtic New Year”, and this view has been repeated by some other scholars.
In the 9th century AD, Western Christianity shifted the date of All Saints’ Day to 1 November, while 2 November later became All Souls’ Day. Over time, Samhain and All Saints’/All Souls’ merged to create the modern Halloween. Historians have used the name ‘Samhain’ to refer to Gaelic ‘Halloween’ customs up until the 19th century.
Didn’t You Say Something About a Giveaway?
That’s right! Samhain was seen as a liminal time, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld could more easily be crossed.
So in the spirit of the season, I’m making it easier to cross over into the exciting world of Droma, the most troublesome hedge-kingdom on the High-King’s Road.
For the next 30 days, I’m offering a digital copy giveaway of my first full-length novel, The Romance of Eowain, absolutely free!
Join the Adventures in Indie Publishing newsletter and you’ll get:
- A free digital copy of my novella, Hedge King in Winter,
- A free Hedge King in Winter Desktop Wallpaper,
- A sneak peek at A Merchant’s Tale, the Second Tale in the Matter of Manred, with a special Matter of Manred free content bonus,
- Daily Writing Prompts,
- Weekly Writing and Platform Building Tips,
- A Monthly Newsletter from the workshop of a working writer,
- and News about forthcoming new releases in the Matter of Manred Saga!
Not to mention a complete copy of the full-length fantasy novel, The Romance of Eowain, a Heroic Medieval Celtic Action-Adventure Fantasy Romance!
Claim your Instafreebie
now through October 29!
Sign up for The Adventures in Indie Publishing Newsletter
and get a free copy of
The Romance of Eowain: Third Tale in the Matter of Manred
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Michael Dellert is an award-winning writer, editor, publishing consultant, and writing coach with a publishing career spanning 18 years. He is currently working as an independent freelancer. He lives in the Greater New York City area.
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