A little bit of history
It is scientifically proven that in the 8th century under Pope Gregory III (†741) the holiday of All Saints' Day was only set for Rome, and about 100 years later by Gregory IV (†844) for the entire Western Church on 1 November.
Among the various theories as to why this date of all dates was chosen, there is also the one that the date overlapped with Samhain, a great Celtic harvest festival and at the same time the "New Year's Eve of the Celts": In order to make Christian missionary work easier, local customs and festivals were more often included in the liturgical calendar or even overlaps were sought.
It is therefore possible that more than 1,000 years ago there was already a coincidence in time and a resulting mixture of Christian and pagan occasions to celebrate on 1 November.
Christianity and Halloween
In the Christian faith, the emphasis is on the day after Halloween: All Saints' Day is the high feast on which the saints and all those who died and consistently lived and defended their faith are commemorated. Traditionally, and in keeping with Jewish heritage, Christian High Feasts begin the night before.
In the case of All Saints' Day, the Christian holiday presumably met with regionally different rites, often owing to the exorcism of spirits. According to the Celtic calendar, the New Year began on 31 October. Bonfires were lit on hills and disguises were worn to drive away evil spirits.
In Christianity today, the connection between autumn and All Saints' Day is emphasised when, for example, the theologian Manfred Becker-Huberti says that "dying nature, through which the eternal world of the saints becomes visible", forms the background foil of the festival.
"All Hallows' Eve" / All Saints' Day
Over the centuries, various rituals and customs from different regions were incorporated around the feast of All Saints, changed, lost again or revived in fragments. Thus, according to tradition, not only in today's Ireland, but also in Wales, Scotland and other regions, there existed the aspect of the uncanny, the ghostly, which had to be countered in autumn.
This mixture of cultural and historical characteristics resulted in the division into a superstitious, later secular celebration on the evening before and a religious celebration of the Christian high festival on the date itself.
Customs in German-speaking countries
And what about German customs, do they still exist?
All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day: When this day of remembrance and celebration approaches at the end of October/ beginning of November, most people probably remember decorating graves, lighting lights and remembering the deceased. However, there are other treasures in customs that can be preserved and cultivated, especially with children. For example, the baking of "Seelengeigen" or "Seelenzöpfen".
The feast of All Saints' Day (1 November) and All Souls' Day (2 November) have always been responses to the ancient feeling that in the change of seasons between the "harvest time" and the "light time", people experience their own death and the memory of the deceased in particular. That is why families gather at the graves of their family members on All Saints' Day. And the parishes also invite people to commemorate the deceased of the past year. But the other customs surrounding All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day are increasingly being lost.
What is behind the "Seelengebäck" (soul bread)?
An easy way to preserve old customs is, for example, through baking. You can also inspire children and get them involved. Typical for All Souls' Day is the baking of "Seelenzöpfe" or "Seelengeigen". The shape of the plait is a copy of the real plait that women used to give to their deceased husbands in the grave. It is a sign of the life force.
The "Seelenenzopf" or "Seelengeige" is therefore given to people to whom one would like to pass on something of one's own life force: the godchild is given this biscuit to give him or her life force through the winter and for the next year. Sometimes a banknote is also baked into the biscuit. This is where the "Zopfgeld" comes from, which the godparents give to their godchildren on All Souls' Day.
Seelengebäck Recipe
This recipe makes a soft, slightly chewy, baguette-like roll with a crisp, rustic crust, perfect for honoring the season of remembrance.
Yields: 4 large "souls"
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 2.5 hours proofing)
Bake time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
500 g Bread Flour (Type 550 or All-Purpose)
10 g Fresh Yeast (or 7g Active Dry Yeast)
350 ml Lukewarm Water (about 95^\circ\text{F} / 35^\circ\text{C})
10 g (2 tsp) Salt
20 ml (1.5 Tbsp) Oil (Sunflower or Rapeseed)
For the Topping:
1 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt or Flaky Salt
1 tsp Caraway Seeds (Kümmel) - Optional, but traditional!
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl or a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and the oil.
Knead: Knead for about 5-7 minutes until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough.
2. First Proof (The Soul Rest)
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn it once to coat, and cover it with a kitchen towel.
Let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
3. Shaping & Second Proof
Divide: Gently punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces.
Shape: Roll each piece into a rough, elongated shape—rustic mini-baguettes,
about 10-12 inches long. No need for perfection!
Second Rise: Place the "souls" onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover again and let them rest for another 60-90 minutes.
4. Bake
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 220 C. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack.
Score & Top: Brush the loaves lightly with water. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt and caraway seeds.
Steam: Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack
(this creates steam for a crispy crust).
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden brown.
Cool: Let the Seelen cool on a wire rack. They are best enjoyed warm!
"As you enjoy your soul bread, remember the German tradition of honoring those who came before.
It’s a moment of comforting reflection, wrapped in a perfectly crisp crust.
Other customs
Rübengeister (Turnip Ghosts):
Before pumpkins were popular, German children carved terrifying faces into hard, hollowed-out turnips or beets (Rüben) and placed candles inside! These eerie lanterns were called Rübengeister and were used to scare away bad spirits or simply for fun as children went from house to house begging for treats—a true, ancient form of 'jack-o'-lantern'!
Hiding the Knives:
In parts of Catholic Southern Germany, people historically hid all sharp knives in the house during this time. Why? As a sign of respect, to ensure the returning spirits of their loved ones wouldn't accidentally injure themselves while visiting!
Ideas for the season
An important part of traditions is the loving remembrance of deceased family members. Pay respect to the dead by, for example, bringing fresh flowers to the graves, preparing the favourite food of deceased family members, setting a place at the dining table for the spirits of the ancestors or decorating a small altar with old family photos. Especially for children, it is important to keep deceased pets in loving memory.
Celebrate together, share stories and memories. Create rituals together with family and friends. Visit older family members with your children and let them tell you about the past. In this way, help your children discover their own roots.
Saying a spell of protection together - for living and deceased relatives - can also be a beautiful tradition.
The ancient Celtic customs have thus also shaped the popular Halloween traditions that are practised in many countries today: For example, make jack-o'-lanterns together with your children or carve - as the ancient Celts did - scary faces into large turnips.
The Celts also used to dress up for the Feast of the Dead so that they would not be easily discovered by evil spirits. White costumes or disguises made of straw were particularly popular in ancient times. It is also said that it was common for children to dress up as boys and vice versa.
Since 1 November also marks the beginning of the New Year for the Celts, New Year's customs are practised on the eve of this day that are quite similar to modern New Year's Eve traditions. Why not venture a glimpse into the future on Halloween: make an oracle out of typical autumn fruits such as hazelnuts, apples or walnuts.
Samhain is also the autumn and harvest festival: a good opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for what nature has given you throughout the year. You can also create a door wreath out of collected treasures (fruits, berries, cones, etc.) or decorating an autumn altar.
Plant bulbs in the ground : this awakens the anticipation of spring and symbolises hope and vitality.
A must for Samhain is the symbolism of fire. If you do not have the opportunity to light a bonfire, you can alternatively place several candles in a metal tub filled with sand. It is also important to decorate the windows of the house with lit candles to show the spirits of the deceased the right way.
Fire is also a sign of hope and anticipation: it symbolises the sun and its return after a cold and dark winter.
Have a beautiful season!
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