Many of us enjoy eating candy and pumpkin spice for Halloween. However, witches have a rich tradition surrounding the
Raechel Henderson is a Witchcraft and the author of The Natural Home Wheel of the Year: Crafting and Cooking for Every.
“We prepare our offerings mindfully as a way to connect with those who are beyond the veil,” said Sophia Rose HTML0. Rose said that food and drink “are potent vessels for magic and intention” and “are profoundly special on Samhain.”
Ashley Seekraft is a traditional Gardnerian Witch. She explained that Samhain, according to many witches
We asked several witches who practiced Samhain to share with us their Samhain culinary traditions.
Some people eat special Sabbat cakes.
Aubrianna Myers is a cook who is also a priestess at the Ca. These cakes are described as “a cross between a biscuit and a scone,” using “seasonal spices such as cinnamon
Aubrianna Myers’ husband Jason Myers explains that in many religious ceremonies, “cakes and ales” Jason Myers, Aubrianna’s husband, explains that during many religious pagan rituals, “cakes and ale” are offered to
Eating food is a way to connect with your ancestors.
Seekraft prepares some of the specialties her late Puerto Rican grandmother made, such as arroz con pollo and arroz de dulce; she said, “It is a wonderful way to connect with my deceased grandmother.”
Seekraft says that when she cooks these dishes, “she blesses the salt and spice” and speaks to her grandmother out loud as
The Pomegranate is sacred.
Lex Ritchie is an animist and folk witch who performs rituals using pomegranates Sa.m Ritchie believes that pomegranates are a symbol of Persephone – the goddess of harvest, who became queen of hell.
Ritchie uses a secret recipe to make pomegranate vinegar and Honey oxymel on Samhain. She also eats a pomegranate while “at the altar” in connection with her ancestors, who were
Ritchie leaves a pomegranate hole on her altar for the entire winter. She said, “The pomegranate contains the prayers that I have offered to my ancestors.” Ritchie buries the Pomegranate she has in her garden in the spring.
Fall foods are enchanting to them.
Henderson cooks with spices such as cinnamon and clove to remind her that it is now time for rest.
Henderson’s practice is enriched, however, by Halloween traditions that have nothing to do with the faith she follows. She said that Samhain was a time of year when it was easier to integrate her practice into everyday life because of the magical food. Henderson says, “all of this reminds me that magic is everywhere.”
Lex Ritchie, an animist and folk witch who works with spirits and ancestors (left), and Jen Koper, a lone witch (right).
They consume the “bones” of the dead.
Dee Norman practices traditional Italian folk and witchcraft. She says, “a large portion of our practice involves kitchen magic,” which includes “making delicious food and protecting, strengthening and blessing family and friends.”
Norman bakes ossi di morti (or “bones of dead”) cookies for Samhain. The cookies have almond and lemon flavors and are shaped like bones. Norman leaves some of the cookies on her altar for her ancestors to enjoy while her family consumes the remainder.
Norman explained that “the ossi di morti is a way to honor the ancestors and include a particular Italian dish in our festivities,” Norman prepares food that her departed loved ones enjoyed on Samhain to make them feel closer. It’s like planning a party for living relatives…I think about what the visiting ancestors would want,” Norman said.
They consume pumpkins.
Rose bakes pumpkin loaf to share with her coven the night before Samhain. Rose explained that the pumpkin symbolizes wisdom and insight and is perfect to honor our ancestors as well as the turning of the wheel of the calendar.
Rose uses an incantation as she bakes to “imbue” the bread with protective energies.
Rose says that she drinks a cup of black tea with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg on Samhain to help her with divination. She also explains that “the fragrant steam from the tea opens psychic senses.”
The “Dumb Supper” is held.
Jennie Koper is a solitary Witch who said that Samhain was a sad day. Koper prepares pumpkin ravioli with brown butter for a “Dumb Supper” that is eaten at candlelight. Koper places friends and family members who have died at the table during the Dumb Supper. Koper puts a small dish on each vacant table spot to “offer” spirits a meal.
She said that “we dined in silence in the darkness, remembering those we love.” Koper’s relatives share “a memory or two” about the people who have passed away at the end of their meal. “The silence is a nice respite from the bustle of Samhain and the sharing of memories tends to continue throughout the evening,” Koper explained.
Koper also gives out candy, does tarot card readings, and throws a Halloween party for the friends of her child. She said: “Despite all the hustle and bustle, it’s important to honor those who came before us.”
Many people have a “Devil’s Dinner Party.”
Shiva Honey is a Satanic priestess and witch within the Satanic Temple. Honey throws a “Devil’s Dinner Party,” catered by Adam Dodge Ostrofsky, her friend and Satanic Chef.
Honey calls these parties “multicourse surrealist immersive dinners.” Cell phones are prohibited, and guests are blindfolded upon entry. I guide each guest to the table by hand and seat them while music is playing. Shiva explains that guests are blindfolded for the first course to immerse them in the experience. Their sense of taste is also amplified.
Honey explained that the food served at Samhain Devil’s Dinner Parties was “inspired by traditional Samhain meals” and included pumpkin soup to “represent the jack-o’-lanterns of modern Halloween traditions,” Honey said.