Hallowe'en History and How to Celebrate with Incense

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.

Hallowe’en is more than costumes and candy. Celebrated on October 31st, its roots reach back over two thousand years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the veil between worlds was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to visit the living.

As time passed, Christian influences transformed Samhain into what we now call Halloween, a night for remembering the dead, warding off evil spirits, and, of course, indulging in some spooky fun.

While trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving are modern customs, many people are drawn to reconnect with Hallowe’en’s deeper, more spiritual roots.

Here are a five mindful ways to celebrate the season, incense included:

In ancient times, Samhain rituals were tied to the natural world. A simple walk through the autumn woods is a beautiful way to honour that connection.

Burn your favourite scent from our fall themed Sweater Weather incense collection when you return home to keep the earthy scent of the season lingering in your space.

Hallowe’en is a time to remember loved ones who have passed and honour their memory. A peaceful walk through a cemetery or a quiet moment at home can serve as an act of reflection and gratitude. If you are in or near Toronto Ontario, Mount Pleasant Cemetery is 200 acres of beautiful old trees and gravestones, the perfect place for an autumn stroll.

Bring flowers, herbs, or small offerings to leave behind, and light Frankincense or Cypress incense to create a calm, sacred space for remembrance. Do not leave the incense to burn unattended.

Did you know that the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard is the presence of a church or homestead? Cemetery usually refers to a burial ground that is not associated with a building, while graveyard is used to describe a burial ground that is next to a church or near a homestead.

Build a small altar with personal meaning using candles, gemstones, incense, dried herbs, or photographs of ancestors. Include items that feel significant to you and represent the season.

Burn Amber or Egyptian Musk incense to invite warmth, reflection, and a sense of connection.

Bonfires were once the heart of Hallowe’en celebrations, representing light, warmth, and protection as winter drew near. The flames were believed to ward off wandering spirits and bless the community for the months ahead.

If a bonfire isn’t possible, light a few candles or sit by a fireplace to create the same sense of comfort and reflection. Write down something you wish to release and let it burn, symbolically clearing space for new beginnings.

Conclude the evening with a hearty autumn meal shared with friends or family. Fill the table with seasonal foods like squash, root vegetables, and fresh bread to honour the harvest and the abundance of the earth.

Take time to share stories, laughter, and gratitude, celebrating both the closing of the season and the connections that carry you into the colder months.

Our Sweater Weather incense collection captures the essence of fall and the magic of Hallowe’en with scents like Autumn, Hallowe’en, Frankincense, Cypress, Amber, and Egyptian Musk. Each fragrance evokes the warmth, mystery, and reflection of the season—perfect companions for your rituals or quiet moments at home.

Hallowe’en may have evolved through centuries of change, but at its heart, it remains a time for connection—to nature, to memory, and to the unseen world. Light an incense stick, watch the smoke rise, and feel yourself part of that ancient rhythm once more.