Sow-ein
[halloween]
*Celtic: meaning ‘End of Summer’
One of the most notable, and sinister, festivals of the calendar year.
Originally held on 1st November when it is believed that the Gods were made visible to the living. A time fraught with danger and charged with supernatural fears. SAMHAIN may involve dieties, rituals and sacrificial ceremonies.
Halloween, held on 31st October, is the ‘eve’ of Samhain.
Halloween was once a genuine season of warding off evil spirits and negative entities acknowledged by ancient Celts during their harvesting season.
During 609 A.D. Pope Boniface IV established ALL MARTYRS DAY, later renamed ALL HALLOWS DAY and ALL SAINTS DAY (Nov 1st). This day is dedicated to all Christian martyrs.
Many churches attempted to replace the original Celtic traditions by sanctioning their very own church sanctioned ALL SOULS DAY (Nov 2nd).
So late October/early November became an array of associated festivals which we celebrate today a magical mix of tricks, treats and all things Halloween.
But the real origins of Halloween stems from SAMHAIN, the great grandfather of modern Halloween, pronounced Sow ein.
*Britannica/Boiseghost.org
