Samhain (pronounced "sow-in", with "sow" rhyming with "cow"), is the midpoint between Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice. We've been watching the nights grow longer, just as our ancestors did. Crops are pulled before the first frost and preparations for the coming winter speed up. We watch the last of the leaves from the trees flutter down, the fields lie fallow. Plants wither, seeds have dropped, livestock are slaughtered for eating, cold winds blow, the earth grows quiet, shadows lengthen, darkness creeps across the land. It is a time to honor the Mystery of darkness. October 31st or November 1st signals that moment in time when the veil between life and death, the Veil between worlds is lifted. The laws of time and space are temporarily suspended. Communicating with our ancestors and departed loved ones becomes possible.
From the ancient times to now, this cycle has continued. Traditions of today carry the seeds from traditions of the past. Some of the names for this celebration are: Third Harvest, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Samana, Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. All Hallow's Eve actually falls on November 7th, and Martinmas is November 11th. Traditional Celtic lore speaks of the dead visiting their kin, and the doors to the Faery Realm are opened. Milk and cakes are laid out on windowsills or doorsteps for the roaming faeries. (You wouldn't want to upset the faeries!) Setting a place at your table to welcome any deceased loved ones that may want to join you, would be a traditional practice. Other ritual practices may also include working with divination and oracles. It can be a time to begin the journey of introspection and solitude to contemplate those we have lost and to reflect on new directions. As the Samhain fires burn, we toss in all our failures, faults and fears. The laughter and love we have for our friends and family can chase the shadows into corners and keeps the fear at bay.
2016 Samhain History: At the end of October, the doorway to the dark half of the Celtic year swings open. The dying sun is swallowed up by the lengthening nights; the green fields of summer have become brown and dry; leaves drop to earth, and animals prepare for winter sleep. It is Samhain, meaning “summer’s end”, and it is the season of frost and firelight...
http://www.sacred-texts.com/bos/bos009.htm
The URL above links to a site written by Rowan Moonstone called "The Origins of Halloween". Recognizing that much of the information available on Samhain is incorrect, she researched its history. Her article answers questions like:"Where does Halloween come from?" "What does "Samhain" mean?" "Why was the end of summer of significance to the Celts?" There are 15 questions answered in all. It is well done. This is an excerpt from it.
The URL above links to a site written by Rowan Moonstone called "The Origins of Halloween". Recognizing that much of the information available on Samhain is incorrect, she researched its history. Her article answers questions like:"Where does Halloween come from?" "What does "Samhain" mean?" "Why was the end of summer of significance to the Celts?" There are 15 questions answered in all. It is well done. This is an excerpt from it.
...In an effort to correct some of this erroneous information, I have researched the religious life of the ancient Celtic peoples and the survivals of that religious life in modern times. Listed below are some of the most commonly asked questions concerning the origins and customs of Halloween. Following the questions is a lengthy bibliography where the curious reader can go to learn more about this holiday than space in this small pamphlet permits...
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usfl&c=holidays&id=2203 (another good site)
The Celtic peoples called the time between Samhain (pronounced "SOW-in" in Ireland, SOW-een in Wales, "SAV-en" in Scotland or even "SAM-haine" in non Gaelic speaking countries) and Brigid's Day "the period of little sun." Thus, Samhain is often named the "Last Harvest" or "Summer's End"...
The Celtic peoples called the time between Samhain (pronounced "SOW-in" in Ireland, SOW-een in Wales, "SAV-en" in Scotland or even "SAM-haine" in non Gaelic speaking countries) and Brigid's Day "the period of little sun." Thus, Samhain is often named the "Last Harvest" or "Summer's End"...
