samhain
Samhain had an important place in Celtic mythology as a time when the normal order is suspended to allow free passage between the natural and supernatural worlds. [1]
Samhain is known as the witch’s new year, and is considered the time when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest. [2]
Samhain marks one of the two great doorways of the Celtic year, for the Celts divided the year into two seasons: the light and the dark, at Beltane on May 1st and Samhain on November 1st. [3]
Learn about the history of Samhain — as well as some popular misconceptions — and different ways to celebrate. [4]
A harvest festival with ancient roots in Celtic polytheism, it was linked to festivals held around the same time in other Celtic cultures, and continued to be celebrated in late medieval times. [...] The Irish name Samhain is derived from Old Irish and means roughly “summer’s end”. [5]
Samhain is known by most folks as Halloween, but for Wiccans and Pagans it’s considered a Sabbat to honor the ancestors who came before us. [2]
In reality, much of what everybody “knows” about Buddhism isn’t true. [4]
Bonfires played a large part in the festivities. [5]
It has never been an English word, but Wiccans and other Neo-Pagans use it in preference to All Saints’ Day and Halloween. [1]
At the heart of the Celtic Otherworld grows an apple tree whose fruit has magical properties. [3]
This clever poem was written by author Cather Steinkamp, and pays homage to the classic “Night Before Christmas” in a Pagan theme. [4]
The Samhain celebrations have survived in several guises as a festival dedicated to the harvest and the dead. [5]
Try one — or all — of these rituals to celebrate Samhain and welcome the new year. [2]
In many cultures, gods of the underworld and death are celebrated during the harvest time. [4]
Sources:
[1] Samhain: Information from Answers.com
[2] History of Samhain
[3] Samhain
[4] Samhain - the Witch’s New Year
[5] Samhain - Wikipedia