Before costumes and candy, before carved pumpkins and trick-or-treating, there was the festival of Samhain — celebrated by the ancient Celts over 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. 

The Celts divided the year into two halves: the bright half beginning at Beltane (May 1) and the dark half beginning at Samhain (November 1). Wikipedia+2irishmyths.com+2 Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter — a liminal time when the boundaries between the living world and the spirit-world were believed to grow thin. 

Fire-festivals, bonfires on hilltops, offerings to protect livestock and families — these were part of the rituals. britannica.com+1 And many of today’s Halloween traditions — wearing masks, leaving food out for wandering spirits, lighting lanterns to ward off danger — trace back to those older practices. ireland.ie+1

📌 What about “marijuana” (cannabis/hemp)?

Here’s what the research says:

• Hemp (Cannabis sativa) was cultivated in Ireland and among Celtic lands for fiber, rope, and industrial uses. potculturemagazine.com+2Project CBD+2

• However, there’s no strong evidence that the ancient Celts used cannabis recreationally or ritually in the same way as other ancient cultures (for example, the Scythians or some Indo-Asian peoples). One review notes that “the ritual use of Cannabis was not a widespread practice” in Celtic herbal tradition. Frontiers+1

• So while hemp was certainly in the background of Celtic agricultural life (for textiles and tools), we cannot confidently say that Samhain or the Celts used marijuana spells, pot-smoking rituals, or similar modern uses of cannabis.

• To summarise: yes to hemp cultivation; no conclusive evidence to “marijuana used at Samhain” in the sense many might assume.

📣 A quick tie-in for MSN Packaging

As we reflect on how ancient traditions adapted and carried meaning through time, it’s worth remembering how packaging and presentation matter — even thousands of years ago. Just as the Celts used bonfires, lanterns, and offerings to mark transitions, today’s brands mark transitions (seasons, products, trends) with creative packaging. At MSN Packaging, whether you’re preparing for seasonal launches or considering child-resistant options for new SKUs, the story of tradition reminds us: meaningful presentation builds connection.

🎃 Have a Spook-tacular Halloween!

As the nights grow longer and pumpkins glow, remember — you’re celebrating a tradition that started in the Iron Age. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the magic (and mystery!) of Halloween.

🕸️ Happy Halloween from all of us at MSN Packaging!