Blessed Samhain to You!
Samhain (October 31) is also known as: Hallowmas, Halloween, New Year, Shadowfest, Martinmas, Summer's End, All Hallow Eve, Samhuin and by many other names.
The name of this Greater Sabbat is pronounced in various ways. I've recorded some of the most common pronunciations you will encounter and you may click on them to hear the variety.
Pronunciations will vary due to geographic location, tradition and training, individual preferences and more. Generally, there is no Absolute and Correct way to pronounce a word. If you are new to the community (or just new to talking to others about it) you may wish to select the more common or popular pronunciations, those marked with ones or twos.
No matter which pronunciation you select, you are bound to be corrected at some point by someone who thinks that his or her pronunciation is the correct one. We suggest that you listen to their reasoning, compare it to what you already know, and in the end choose what works for you. Happy wording!
Pronunciations are listed from the most commonly used to the least commonly used.
SOWun
SOun
shavin
sahveen
Further Reading
- Popular Pagan Pronunciations (for all those Witchy words)
- Samhain Ritual Ideas
- Samhain Activities: Gravestone Rubbings
- Samhain Trivia
- Samhain Sabbat Cookies
- Wikipedia entry for Samhain
