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Samhain
Also calledSamhuinn/Samhainn (Scottish Gaelic)
Sauin (Manx Gaelic)
Observed by Historically: Gaels
Today: Irish people, Scottish people, Manx people, Celtic neopagans, Wiccans

Pagan (Celtic polytheism, Celtic neopaganism, Wicca)
SignificanceEnd of the harvest season, beginning of winter
CelebrationsBonfires, guising/mumming, divination, feasting
DateSunset 31 October – sunset 1 November

Samhain (pronounced /ˈsɑːwɪn/ SAH-win or /ˈsaʊ.ɪn/ SOW-in, Irish pronunciation: [sˠəuɪnʲ]) is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. Traditionally, it is celebrated from 31 October to 1 November, as the Celtic day began and ended at sunset. This is about halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasadh. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Similar festivals are held at the same time of year in other Celtic lands; for example the Brythonic Calan Gaeaf (in Wales), Kalan Gwav (in Cornwall), Kalan Goañv (in Brittany), and Samaín (in Galicia).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the Gaelic holiday. For other uses, see Samhain (disambiguation).