…Good for Us
As the vibrant hues of autumn sweep through the countryside and the air becomes crisp, we find ourselves at a turning point in the year. The days grow shorter, the leaves transform into fiery shades of red and gold, and the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain draws near. For millennia, rural communities have marked this seasonal shift with celebrations, honouring the harvest and preparing for the darker months ahead. These rituals, deeply rooted in our connection to the land, have not only helped previous generations survive but have also provided emotional and spiritual nourishment. In fact, modern science is now revealing just how beneficial celebrating the changing seasons can be for our mental health and well-being.
Samhain: An Ancient Celebration of Change
Samhain, which falls between the end of October and early November, is one of the four major festivals in the Celtic calendar. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter—a time when our ancestors relied heavily on their crops, livestock, and natural resources to see them through the long, cold months. For ancient communities, the celebration of Samhain wasn’t just about survival; it was about acknowledging the cyclical nature of life, honouring those who had passed, and embracing the mysteries of the changing world. This deep connection to the earth and the seasons helped people feel grounded, giving them a sense of control and continuity in the face of uncertainty.
In modern times, we may no longer rely directly on the land for our survival in the same way, but our relationship with nature remains just as important.
At Forest School, celebrating the seasons, particularly autumn, provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign ourselves with the natural world.
This connection is essential not only for preserving our cultural heritage but also for our mental and emotional health.
The Science Behind Nature & Well-being
Numerous scientific studies have shown that spending time in nature, or even simply being mindful of natural changes like those during autumn, can have a profound effect on our mental health. One such study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology1, found that exposure to the natural world, particularly trees, can reduce levels of cortisol—the hormone responsible for stress. The earthy smell of damp leaves and rich soil, which is so prevalent at this time of year, has been found to trigger a sense of calm and well-being, offering a much-needed antidote to modern life’s fast pace and stresses.
Another study, published by Environmental Health Perspectives2, suggests that exposure to green spaces can significantly improve cognitive function and lower the risk of anxiety and depression. The combination of fresh air, the sounds of rustling leaves, and the sights of nature’s seasonal transformation stimulates our senses in ways that help to clear the mind and enhance our mood.
These studies highlight what our ancestors already knew instinctively—that spending time in nature is vital for maintaining balance and well-being. By celebrating autumn through rituals like Samhain, we actively engage with these natural changes, creating a sense of rhythm and meaning that helps to anchor us.
Celebrating Seasonal Milestones for Children
For children, marking the passage of the seasons is particularly important. As they grow, they encounter many changes—both physical and emotional—and learning to adapt to these shifts is a crucial part of their development. Seasonal celebrations, like Samhain, offer them a positive framework for understanding and embracing change. These rituals not only help them cope with the inevitability of change but also encourage them to look forward to it.
At Forest School, for instance, children participate in traditions like gathering autumn leaves, carving turnips (or pumpkins, as is now common!), and lighting bonfires, they develop a deeper sense of connection to the natural world.
They learn that change can be beautiful, exciting, and even fun, rather than something to fear.
These celebrations teach them resilience, the importance of community, and the value of looking forward to life’s milestones.
Honouring the Past, Looking to the Future
As we prepare to celebrate Samhain this year, we can take comfort in the fact that we are part of a long tradition of honouring the earth and its cycles. For those of us in rural Ireland, where the changing seasons are so vividly felt, these celebrations remind us of our ancestors’ deep connection to the land and their ability to survive by respecting and working with nature.
In a time when many of us feel increasingly disconnected from the natural world, embracing these seasonal rituals can help us find a sense of peace, purpose, and well-being. As science continues to uncover the benefits of spending time in nature, it becomes ever clearer that celebrating the changing seasons isn’t just good for our health—it’s an essential part of being human. So, as the leaves fall and the days grow darker, take time to appreciate the beauty of autumn and the rich traditions that have been passed down to us.
Celebrate the changes, both in nature and in life, and find joy in the timeless rhythms that connect us to the world around us.
