A black and white sugar skull incense burner with smoke coming out of its eye sockets, surrounded by black and white striped pumpkins.

Hallowe'en History and How to Celebrate with Incense

Oct 03, 2024Flore

Three metallic orange pumpkins sit next to a backflow incense cone burner with a burning incense cone and smoke waterfall, and several incense cones sitting in front. In the background is a package that reads Flore Hallowe’en, wood, earth, spice, Canadian Incense backflow cones.

Hallowe’en, also known as All Hallows' Eve, and now commonly spelled as Halloween, has deep roots in ancient traditions, blending elements of Celtic, Christian, and pagan rituals.

Let’s explore its fascinating history and how you can celebrate the season with the magic of incense.

History of Hallowe'en

Illustration of a black cat laying on top of one of two jack-o'-lanterns that are surrounded by mist and sitting on dark ground. In the background there is a tree with burgundy leaves against an indigo sky with stars.

Hallowe’en traces its origins to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain represented the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. This would have been marked with feasting and celebration.

The Celts also believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth.

As time passed, Christian influences transformed Samhain into All Saints Day, a day dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints and martyrs of the Church.

The night before was referred to as All Hallows' Eve, which ultimately turned into what we now know as Halloween, a night for remembering the dead, warding off evil spirits, and, of course, indulging in costumes and candy.

How to celebrate Hallowe'en with incense

Incorporating incense into your Hallowe’en rituals can elevate the spiritual atmosphere, making your space feel more connected to the season’s mystical energy.

Purify your space before performing rituals:

A package of incense sticks that reads Flore Sage Canadian Incense lays next to a burning incense stick in a red incense holder, assorted crystals, fanned incense sticks and a sage smudging stick.

Start by cleansing your home with purifying incense, such as sage. This clears negative energy and prepares your space for a deeper connection.

Enhance the mystical vibe of Hallowe'en:

A package of incense sticks that reads Flore Hallowe’en Canadian Incense stands beside a backflow incense cone burner with a burning backflow incense cone that is creating a cascading smoke waterfall. Behind the backflow incense cone burner sits a package of backflow incense cones that reads Flore Halloween, wood, earth, spice, Canadian Incense, backflow cones.

Our special Hallowe’en blend, available in incense sticks and backflow cones, creates an aura of mystery and magic. It combines rich, earthy notes with spicy undertones, perfect for setting the mood.

Crystals and incense pairings:

An overhead view of a burning stick of incense in a black incense holder next to multiple purple amethysts.

Pair your incense with crystals for an added mystical touch. Amethyst, obsidian, and black tourmaline are perfect for protection and grounding during Hallowe’en. Their energy can enhance your incense rituals, providing spiritual and physical balance.

We like to purchase the crystals we use at Happy Soul in Toronto. They have two locations and a website where you can buy crystals and incense online.

An overhead view of a burning stick of incense on a floral incense burner next to multiple crystals including amethysts, carnelians, onyx, tiger’s eye, quartz and citrine. Three colourful incense burners are sitting fanned beside the crystals.

Incense used for Hallowe'en rituals:

Certain incense scents are naturally aligned with the themes of Hallowe’en. Here are a few that you can integrate into your celebrations:

Frankincense & Myrrh:

An overhead view of a package of incense sticks that reads Flore Frankincense and Myrrh Canadian Incense laying on a slab of grainy wood next to a few crystals, fanned incense sticks, and a burning incense stick in a black incense holder.

These ancient resins are often used in rituals to ward off negativity and invite good spirits.

Patchouli:

Known for its earthy and grounding scent, patchouli helps in connecting with the spiritual realm.

Cinnamon:

Warm and spicy, cinnamon brings a comforting yet energizing quality to your space, perfect for autumn and the festivities of Hallowe'en.

Hallowe'en is not just costumes and candy; it’s an opportunity to connect with ancient traditions and the spiritual world. Using incense, crystals, and mindful rituals, you can honour the season's mystery in a deeply meaningful way.

Written by Flore