Samhain
The Celtic New Year starts this evening. It is celebrated as Hallow'een or Hallowed evening. All Hallowed eve, the night before All Souls Day in the Church Calendar. The Christian religion placed its holy days near most Pagan holidays to draw people to their religion and to incorporate many of the old traditions into the new. Halloween celebrations come from many of the Irish traditional folklore and old religion and beliefs where the line between the afterlife was the weakest during this time and the dead could walk the earth during this night and pay a visit and collect on old debts. ;-) This is where "trick or treats" may have originated and it was wise to always have food and and extra plate out for an unexpected "visitor." This was the night where pranks could happen and one could run into the faeries and other supernatural beings besides the dead. It was always wise to stay home and lock your doors.
Happy Hallow'een
Happy Celtic New Year!
Happy Samhain!
