On October 31^st, during All Hallows Eve, or the Irish Gaelic Samhain, derived from the Indo-Sanskrit based word Samharaidhreach, meaning “end of summer,” small, white cakes were baked as “cakes for the dead.” Although adults and children were allowed to eat as many cakes as they liked, the cakes were actually set out as offerings for the wandering spirits who prowled the countryside and towns at a time when the ghostly forces were thought to be the strongest and most pristine. Whoever ate the most cakes for the dead would have the best luck in the coming year.

            It was believed that households which set out cakes for the dead would not suffer from ill luck or misfortune in the coming year. Sometimes cakes were left at the crossroads as an offering for the Goddess Hecate, who ruled darkness and the underworld. Hecate cakes were usually lit by one candle so she could find her way in the dark. This is where our tradition of candles on birthday cakes comes from.