A little bit of history
Samhain - The Celtic New Year
What is Samhain?
Samhain is celebrated at the evening on the 31st of October and on the 1st of November. It is sometimes seen as the Celtic New Year, the beginning of the winter season and represents the powers in both the old and the new year getting weaker which thins the veil between our world and that of those who have passed.
It is one of the biggest feasts of the wheel of the year (along with Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasadh) and well loved by many Old Way practitioners. Samhain is old Irish for "the end of Summer", marking the end of the harvest season. In Irish legends it is told that the heroes of old come through the fairygates at night. Therefor it is custom to have some extra seats at the table. To welcome those who are usually beyond the veil.
The communing with the ancestors is seen as a tradition predating the Celtic era, although it's earliest mentions is in Irish literature from the 9th century. It used to be marked with great gatherings, feasts and bonfires. Recordings in detail weren't until the early modern era.
Like Bealtaine, Samhain is considered a liminal/treshold festival, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld blurred, making contact with the other side more likely. Modern Halloween traditions (as often seen in the USA) were inherited from Irish and Scottish immigrants. At Siren we try to grasp back to our own European roots.
Tickets 1st of November:
350kr p.p. (10 spots)
When:
Saturday 1st of November 16:00 - 22:00
What to bring:
- Images/Keepsakes of those who have passed and are important to you
- Food for the potluck (make something for 3-4 people!)
- Something to stay warm, it can be chilly!
What are we actually going to celebrate?
Ancestors, communication, community.
We'll have a focus on our ancestors, release, remembrance, our sacrifices and preparations for winter.
There will be a couple of activities new to this evening, but some of our traditions like the Stone Circle Ceremony as well as walking the labyrinth are returning for this evening. The day will allow room for contemplation, reflection and the ever growing importance of telling stories, sharing memories and experiences.
I will be incorporating a Japanese tradition called Tōrō Nagashi (灯篭流し) this year. This is a beautiful ceremony where paper lanterns float down a river. There is this belief behind it that will help guide souls of the departed to the spirit world. As the veil is considered so thin and with the legends in mind, it's a beautiful way to guide the spirits back again. Usually this festivity is being done during Obon, which is held in July or August (depending on the calendar), but I felt it is a fitting activity for this time of the year.
This is a peaceful custom and a gesture of respect for those who have gone before us. This can be ancestors, loved ones or even past pets.
We'll also have a potluck to share once again the abundance of this season. Warm hearty meals as Scandinavian winters can be tough, long, dark and cold.
Tickets 1st of November:
350kr p.p. (10 spots)
When:
Saturday 1st of November 2025 16:00 - 22:00
What to bring:
- Images/Keepsakes of those who have passed and are important to you
- Food for the potluck (make something for 3-4 people!)
- Something to stay warm, it can be chilly!
Information:
Program for Samhain on 1.11.2025
(Changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances) For now the weather forecast seems to announce chilly weather and maybe even rain. Program will be customized towards weather. Please bring warm clothes.
16:00 - 17:00 Arrival/Preparations and Gathering in the Fagervik Stonecircle
Here we will gather to ground and remember those who have gone before us. We'll open the circle and prepare an empty seat for those who've gone before us in the circle so they may also participate in spirit.
17:00 - 18:00 Movement and Transformation in the Labyrinth
It's time to set intentions and dive into what movement and transformation means to you. What do you wish to release before heading into winter season?
18:00 - 19.30 Samhain Ceremony and Tōrō Nagashi (灯篭流し)
We gather in the Stonecircle one more time to enjoy the ceremony of this feast and give our thanks and blessings towards eachother. We give thanks to the living and the dead and close the circle. Here we will create the small lanterns for those who went before us, to guide them back to the spirit world and thank them for being with us tonight.
19:30 - 22:00 Potluck and Social
After this we'll clean up what needs to be cleaned up and can make our way inside to prepare and share food. We can also either watch a movie, have a Halloween disco or have those who need to get home be able to catch their last train. We'll check how everyone's doing and decide on that.
* The entire premise is closed during the celebration.
Earlier Celebrations / Gatherings
*- IMPORTANT INFORMATION -*
Please take a moment to read through the rules we keep up to be able to make this a celebration enjoyable for all.
Samhain: A Guide for Participants
Welcome to our open-hearted gathering! We're thrilled to celebrate Samhain with you. This is a space for community, connection, and honoring the natural world. There's space for a maximum of 10 people.
Who is this for?
- Individuals and families who appreciate nature, community, and seasonal celebrations.
- Those interested in learning about Pre-Christian, Animistic, Shinto and The Older traditions.
- People who value a respectful and inclusive environment and wish to celebrate
Our Core Values:
- Respect: We foster a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and reject all forms of discrimination.
- Mindfulness: We are mindful of the children and animals present and ensure a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Responsibility: We are responsible for our actions and contribute positively to the gathering.
What is NOT accepted:
- Racism, bigotry, or any form of discrimination.
- Disrespectful or disruptive behavior that interferes with the enjoyment of others.
- Behavior that endangers children and animals or compromises their safety.
- Destruction of plants, flowers, trees, woodwork.
- The house is off limits with the exception of bathroom visits, please do not enter without permission.
- Smoking, drugs or any other means of intoxication.
Event Program Samhain:
16:00 - 17:00 Arrival / Preparations, Gathering
17:00 - 18:00 Movement and Transformation Labyrinth
18:00 - 19:30 Samhain Ritual and Tōrō Nagashi Ceremony
19:30 - 22:00 Potluck and Social
Important Notes:
- Changes to the program may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Entrance for Ticketholders only!
- There are no Ticket Sales at the door.
- Please be mindful of the fire and follow safety instructions.
- Please be aware that this is a family friendly event.
- Please keep in mind that this is an outside event taking place during the evening and the night, be mindful of our neighbours!
- Please use the parking space available at Tangen Skole (not Samfunnshuset!) and take a 10-15 min walk over to Fagervik House.
- Dogs are unfortunately not allowed due to the fact that we have cats on the premise.
- Please feel free to bring an offering to the fire (something you wish to strengthen or let go off)
- Please be respectful of the nature around us.
- There is the possibility of a photographer present. We will use some of the pictures for further announcing of upcoming events, but will refrain from posting you in case you're on and do NOT wish to be posted online. Children will not be posted online.
- Have fun!
Who/what funds the event?
Ticketsales
Where?
Kongspartvegen 64, Tangen, Innlandet, Norway
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Get in touch
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