Discover the Scottish Roots of Halloween

Halloween might feel modern, but did you know it started in Scotland?

Before costumes and candy, it was a Celtic festival called Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the start of the darker half of the year. People believed that the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and spirits returned to earth, leading to the traditions of lighting bonfires and wearing disguises to ward them off.

During Samhain, people would leave out food offerings for spirits, hoping to avoid any mischief. It was also believed that faeries might roam the earth, leading to even more cautious behaviour. Over time, these practices evolved into what we now recognise as trick-or-treating and costume parties, but the spirit of Samhain remains embedded in Halloween today.

Halloween Outfit Ideas: Celtic-Inspired Costumes

If you're thinking about Halloween costumes this year, why not honour the festival’s Scottish origins? Think long, flowing tartan capes, traditional kilts, and colours that reflect the ancient Celtic style. Pair these with accessories like tartan sashes, brooches or for the men a tartan bowtie or plaid pocket square. Outfits can be as simple or elaborate as you like, perfect for a unique, heritage-inspired Halloween look.

To take your Celtic costume to the next level, consider including symbolic ancient Celtic jewellery, such as the Claddagh or Trinity Knot. And for a more mystical approach, you could incorporate elements like Celtic druids or warrior attire to add a sense of mystery and history to your outfit.

Explore our range of traditional Scottish clothing to find your perfect Halloween costume. From tartan skirts and kilts to sashes, sporrans, and other accessories, our collection offers plenty of inspiration.

Best Halloween Costume Prize:

Tartanista are offering £100 worth of Tartanista products on our website for the best Halloween costume, incorporating at least one Tartanista item.

To enter send us a picture of your costume taken on Halloween. We will display all the pictures received on the ‘Tartanista community’ section of our website and the winner on the front page.

To submit your images please email sales@tartanista.com and include your general location and the party theme. 

Contest ends on 14th of November, we will announce the winner on Friday 15th November.

By sending us your pictures you agree they can be used on our website and in our marketing emails and social media.