The Spiritual Meaning of Samhain
Samhain (pronounced "sow-in") is a deeply spiritual and ancient festival celebrated from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st. It originates from the Celtic tradition and marks the final harvest, the end of the light half of the year, and the beginning of the dark half. It is one of the four major Celtic fire festivals (along with Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh) and is considered by many Pagans and Wiccans as the New Year in the Wheel of the Year. Samhain is both a festival of death and transformation and a time to honor the ancestors . It is a moment when the natural world begins to die back, the veil between worlds grows thin, and the spiritual and physical realms are more easily bridged. Seasonal and Historical Context In ancient times, Samhain marked a critical transition in the agricultural calendar. The last of the crops were brought in, livestock were culled to ensure survival through the winter, and communities prepared for the hardships of the cold se...