Samhain 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.
Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins
and there
is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times.
Homme osalen esmakordselt elus Samhaini pidustustel.
Tundub sümpaatsem kui ameerikalik ja kommertslik Halloween.
