Samhain - 1st November
The Celts divided their year into two seasons: the light and the dark, at Beltane on 1st May and Samhain. Many believe that Samhain was the more important festival, marking the beginning of a new cycle. Just as the Celtic day began at night, it was believed that in the darkness new life would emerge, similar to the stirring of the seed below the ground. The most magical time of this festival was November Eve, the night of 31st October, better known today as Halloween.In the country year, Samhain marked the first day of winter, when the herders led the cattle and sheep down from their summer pastures to the shelter of the stables. Those destined for the table were slaughtered. All the harvest must be gathered in by this date -- barley, oats, wheat, turnips, and apples -- for come November, the faeries would blast every growing plantwith their breath, blighting any nuts and berries remaining on the hedgerows.
With the rise of Christianity, Samhain was changed to Hallowmas, or All Saints' Day, to celebrate the saints in heaven, and so the night before became popularly known as Halloween. The 2nd November became All Souls Day, when prayers were to be offered to the souls of the departed. Throughout the centuries, pagan and Christian beliefs and celebrations have intertwined and from 31st Oct through to 5th November, they are particularly confusing.
29-10-2007, 01:33 PM
Samhain
