Livestock Traditionally, Samhain was a time to take stock of the herds and food supplies. Cattle were brought down to the winter pastures after six months in the higher summer pastures (see transhumance). It was also the time to choose which animals would be slaughtered. This custom is still observed by many who farm and raise livestock.McNeill, F. Marian (1961, 1990) The Silver Bough, Vol. 3. William MacLellan, Glasgow pp. 11–46 It is thought that some of the rituals associated with the slaughter have been transferred to other winter holidays. On St. Martin's Day (11 November) in Ireland, an animal—usually a rooster, goose, or sheep—would be slaughtered and some of its blood sprinkled on the threshold of the house. It was offered to Saint Martin, who may have taken the place of a god or gods,MacCulloch, John Arnott (1911). The Religion of the Ancient Celts. Chapter 18: Festivals. and it was then eaten as part of a feast. This custom was common in parts of Ireland until the 19th century,Hutton, The Stations of the Sun, p. 386 and was found in other parts of Europe. At New Year in the Hebrides, a man dressed in a cowhide would circle the township sunwise. A bit of the hide would be burnt, and everyone would breathe in the smoke. These customs were meant to keep away bad luck, and similar customs were found in other Celtic regions.
Livestock Traditionally, Samhain was a time to take stock of the herds and food supplies. Cattle were brought down to the winter pastures after six months in the higher summer pastures (see transhumance). It was also the time to choose which animals would be slaughtered This custom is still observed by many who farm and raise livestock.McNeill F. Marian (1961, 1990) The Silver Bough, Vol. .3. William MacLellan, Glasgow pp. 11–46 It is thought that some of the rituals associated with the slaughter have been transferred to other winter holiday,s. On St. Martin's Day (11 November) in Ireland, an animal—usually a rooster, goose, or sheep—would be slaughtered and some of its blood sprinkled on the threshold of the house. It was offered to Saint Martin, who may have taken the place of a god or gods,MacCulloch, John Arnott (1911). The Religion of the Ancient Celts. Chapter 18: Festivals. and it was then eaten as part of a feast. This custom was common in parts of Ireland until the 19th century,Hutton, The Stations of the Sun, p. 386 and was found in other parts of Europe. At New Year in the Hebrides, a man dressed in a cowhide would circle the township sunwise. A bit of the hide would be burnt, and everyone would breathe in the smoke. These customs were meant to keep away bad luck, and similar customs were found in other Celtic regions.