10 Samhain Costume Ideas Inspired by Irish and Celtic Mythology

Samhain Costume Inspiration: 10 Mythical Figures from Celtic Lore

​Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, is the perfect time to transform into characters from Irish and Celtic mythology.

Whether you’re looking for something haunting or divine, these gods and monsters make for amazing Samhain costume ideas. Dive into the mystical world of legends with these ten creative suggestions:

The Banshee: The Wailing Spirit

Legend: The Banshee is a harbinger of death in Irish folklore. Her mournful wail, called a "keening," is said to be heard when someone is about to die. The Banshee can appear as a young woman, a matron, or an old crone, symbolizing the stages of life and death. She is often associated with the spirit world and acts as a messenger between realms.

Costume Idea:

• Wear a tattered white dress or a long, flowing gray cloak.
• Use face paint to create a pale, almost ghostly complexion.
• Mess up your hair or use a wig to give it a wild, unkempt look.
• Add fake tears or use makeup to create dark circles under your eyes to emphasize a sorrowful appearance

Cernunnos: The Horned God of the Forest

Legend: Cernunnos is the Celtic god of nature, fertility, and wild animals. He is often depicted with stag antlers and a beard, symbolizing his connection to wildlife and the earth. Cernunnos represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth and is seen as a protector of the natural world.

Costume Idea:

• Create a headpiece with deer antlers or find a horned mask.
• Dress in earth-toned clothing or furs to represent his connection to the forest.
• Carry a staff or a bundle of leaves and branches as props.
• Use face paint to mimic tribal designs that highlight his ancient and primal nature.

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The Ankou: Harbinger of Death

Legend: The Ankou is a spectral figure from Breton and Celtic traditions, often seen as the embodiment of death. He is sometimes depicted as a skeletal figure with a scythe, driving a cart to collect souls of the departed. The Ankou's presence signifies an omen of death and serves as a reminder of life's inevitable end.

Costume Idea:

• Wear a long, black cloak with a hood that shadows your face.
• Use skeleton makeup to give your face a hollow, deathly appearance.
• Carry a scythe or lantern to add to the eerie effect.
• Move slowly and deliberately to embody the grim reaper’s solemn presence.

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The Oilliphéist: The Celtic Dragon

Legend: The Oilliphéist is a fearsome dragon or serpent from Irish mythology that lived in the rivers and lakes. According to legend, this creature caused great destruction wherever it went, often clashing with saints and heroes. It symbolizes chaos and the untamed forces of nature.

Costume Idea:

• Use green or dark-scaled fabric to create a reptilian look.
• Add claws and a long tail for authenticity.
• Paint your face with scales and use contact lenses to mimic dragon eyes.
• Incorporate smoke or mist effects (with dry ice or a fog machine) to create a mysterious aura around you.

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Korrigan: Fairy Folk of Brittany

Legend: Korrigans are small, magical creatures in Breton folklore known for their mischievous nature. These fairies are connected to the natural world and often appear at night. Though they can be benevolent, they have a reputation for trickery and can be quite vengeful if disrespected.

Costume Idea:

• Dress in earthy, woodland colors like green, brown, and gold.
• Add small, pointed ears and a wreath of flowers or leaves on your head.
• Use glittery makeup or body paint to give your skin a magical, otherworldly glow.
• Carry a small pouch of fake gold or enchanted stones as a nod to their love for mischief and trickery.

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Épona: Goddess of Horses

Legend: Épona is the goddess of horses, fertility, and the protector of riders in Celtic mythology. She is often depicted riding a white horse, symbolizing strength, grace, and freedom. Épona was worshiped widely across the Celtic lands, and her influence even extended into Roman traditions.

Costume Idea:

• Wear a flowing white or silver gown to represent purity and grace.
• Adorn your hair with a crown of horse motifs or braids.
• Add horse-like features, such as a tail or hoofed boots, to your ensemble.
• Carry a horse bridle or a small statuette to symbolize her bond with these noble creatures.​

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The Morrígan: Goddess of War and Fate

Legend: The Morrígan is one of the most powerful and complex figures in Irish mythology. She is the goddess of war, fate, and death, often associated with ravens or crows. She has the power to shape-shift and is believed to influence the outcome of battles by striking fear into the hearts of warriors.

Costume Idea:

• Dress in black or dark red with feathers incorporated into your attire.
• Create dramatic eye makeup with sharp, dark lines to evoke her intense presence.
• Add a feathered cape or shoulder piece for a striking effect.
• Carry a raven prop or wear a raven-shaped brooch to symbolize her connection to these ominous birds.

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Mari Lwyd: The Eerie Horse Skull Tradition

Legend: Mari Lwyd is a traditional Welsh figure that appears as a horse skull mounted on a pole, carried by someone hidden under a sheet. This character is part of a midwinter custom where groups go door to door, singing and challenging the inhabitants to a battle of wits.

Costume Idea:

• Create a horse skull mask or headpiece.
• Wear a long white sheet or robe that completely covers your body.
• Decorate the sheet with bells, ribbons, or other adornments.
• Perform eerie, rhythmic movements to imitate the ancient dance associated with this ghostly figure.

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Abhartach: The Irish Vampire

Legend: Abhartach is a terrifying figure in Irish folklore, often considered one of the earliest vampire legends. Unlike traditional vampires, Abhartach is described as a dwarf-like creature that rises from the grave to drink the blood of the living, using his dark magic to terrorize the countryside.

Costume Idea:

• Dress in dark, tattered clothing that hints at a graveyard origin.
• Use pale makeup with red accents around your eyes and mouth to suggest a thirst for blood.
• Add fangs and carry a small vial of fake blood for authenticity.
• Move with slow, deliberate motions to enhance the undead vibe.

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Yan-gant-y-tan: The Wandering Spirit with Five Candles

Legend: Yan-gant-y-tan is a spectral figure from Breton folklore, known for wandering the night with five candles on his hand, symbolizing his role as a wandering spirit of light. His presence is often associated with ghostly illuminations and mysterious lights seen at night.

Costume Idea:

• Dress in a dark robe to blend in with the night.
• Create a prop hand or glove with five candle-like lights or LED tips.
• Use a pale or ghostly face mask to give the appearance of an otherworldly being.
• Move with a slow, flickering gait, as if your character is wandering through the mist.

Final Spooky Thoughts

These ten Samhain costume ideas are perfect for bringing the gods and monsters of Irish and Celtic mythology to life. Whether you choose to embody a fearsome god or a spooky spirit, these costumes are sure to make your Samhain celebration memorable and authentic.

​Let the ancient legends guide your creativity and immerse yourself in the mystical world of Celtic lore this Samhain!
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