Today, we want to recognize the Celtic origins of Samhain (pronounced “sah-win”) as well as pay tribute to the Witches of Scotland Tartan. The roots of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic fire festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and signaled a time for harvest. This festival was significant as it symbolized a moment when the veil between the living and the dead became thin, thus allowing spirits of the dead to visit the living. In the Middle Ages, smaller bonfires known as Samghnagans—personal Samhain fires, lit near farms—became traditional, said to protect families from fairies and witches.
When people think of Halloween today, witches still come to mind, which is why we want to highlight the Witches Tartan. The tartan was designed by Dr. Zoe Venditozzi and Dr. Claire Mitchell KC as the first to honor the victims of Scotland’s historic witch trials; claiming the lives of nearly 4,000 individuals, mostly women, between 1563 and 1736. Each color and thread was carefully chosen to represent this dark chapter in history. The black and grey symbolize the dark times and the ashes of those who were persecuted. The pink and red signify the legal constraints that determined the fate of the accused. The white check, formed of three threads, stands for the campaign’s three goals: Pardon, Apology, and Memorial. The large black section consists of 173 threads, marking the 173 years during which the Witchcraft Act was in effect, from 1563 to 1736.
This tartan was officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans in February 2025 and is protected by trademark. We highly encourage you to visit the official Witches of Scotland website to learn more about the work these incredible women are doing. While we would gladly carry the Witches tartan if possible, it is ONLY available through the official Witches of Scotland website. At Wolfstone, we believe in the heritage industry of tartan and support the artisans behind it. If you’re able, please support the incredible work these women are doing.