If there is one image that defines autumn in the English-speaking world-beyond dry leaves or golden forests-it is that of a orange pumpkin shining on the porch of a house.It may be carved with a devilish smile or turned into a cake, but its presence is indisputable. The pumpkin has become the symbol par excellence of autumn and, especially, of Halloweena relationship that has its roots much further back then it seems.

From the Celts to Hollywood: the origin of the pumpkin as a symbol

It all starts a few years ago 2,000 years when the Celtic peoples celebrated the Samhain, a pagan festival that marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. On that night-which we know today as Halloween-, it was believed that the world of the living and the world of the dead touched each other.To protect themselves from spirits, they lit bonfires and placed lights inside hollowed-out turnips with carved faces.

When Irish and Scottish settlers immigrated to America in the 19th century,

But his reign is not limited to fear. in the United States and the united Kingdom,pumpkin is also symbol of harvest and abundance. During the Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving), such as, the customary Pumpkin Pie -pumpkin pie with cinnamon, ginger and cloves-is as obligatory as turkey. The pumpkin, in a way, represents the union between earth, home and comfort food.

Beyond decoration: a versatile and healthy ingredient

Although the image of the carved pumpkin dominates in October, its presence in the kitchen is just as powerful. With few calories and a large amount of

Samaín: the Galician tradition of carving pumpkins in Difuntos, vampirized by Halloween

for many, Halloween is synonymous with carved pumpkins, costumes, and trick-or-treating. Though, this tradition has roots in older, more complex celebrations, like the Galician Samaín. While halloween has become increasingly popular in Spain, especially among children, Samaín is a deeply ingrained cultural practice in Galicia, connected to honoring the dead and warding off evil spirits.

Samaín predates Halloween, originating in pre-Christian Celtic traditions. The name itself comes from the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter – a time believed to be a period when the boundary between the world of the living and the dead blurred.

In Galicia, Samaín was traditionally celebrated on the night of November 1st, coinciding with Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day). A key element of the party was the carving of pumpkins – or, historically, turnips – into lanterns. These weren’t simply decorative; they were believed to ward off evil spirits and guide the souls of the deceased. The lanterns, known as parpadeiras (blinkers), were placed in windows and along roads to illuminate the way for wandering spirits.

Families would also prepare offerings of food and drink for the dead, leaving them on the doorstep or at the graveside. it was a time for remembering ancestors and acknowledging the cyclical nature of life and death.Traditional foods included panelas (a type of bread), nuts, and wine.

Over time, with the influence of American culture and the commercialization of Halloween, Samaín has undergone a change.The focus has shifted from a solemn remembrance of the dead to a more playful, costume-centric celebration. While the carving of pumpkins remains a central activity, it’s frequently enough done with a Halloween aesthetic rather than the traditional Galician symbolism.

Many Galicians express concern that Samaín is being “vampirized” by Halloween, losing its original meaning and cultural significance. Efforts are being made to revitalize the traditional aspects of Samaín, promoting it as a distinct cultural heritage and a meaningful way to connect with Galicia’s past. These efforts include cultural events, workshops on traditional carving techniques, and educational programs in schools.

Despite the influence of Halloween, samaín continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Galicians, representing a unique blend of ancient traditions and contemporary celebrations. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of cultural identity and the importance of preserving ancestral customs.