Samhain is believed to have Celtic paganorigins and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. Some Neolithic passage tombs in Ireland are aligned with the sunrise around the time of Samhain. It is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and many important events in Irish mythology happen or begin on Samhain. It was the time when cattle were brought back down from the summer pastures and when livestock were slaughtered for the winter. As at Bealtaine, special bonfires were lit. These were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers and there were rituals involving them.[4] Like Bealtaine, Samhain was seen as a liminal time, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld could more easily be crossed. This meant the Aos Sí, the 'spirits' or 'fairies', could more easily come into our world. Most scholars see the Aos Sí as remnants of the pagan gods and nature spirits. At Samhain, it was believed that the Aos Sí needed to be propitiated to ensure that the people and their livestock survived the winter. Offerings of food and drink were left outside for them. The souls of the dead were also thought to revisit their homes seeking hospitality. Feasts were had, at which the souls of dead kin were beckoned to attend and a place set at the table for them. Mummingand guising were part of the festival, and involved people going door-to-door in costume (or in disguise), often reciting verses in exchange for food. The costumes may have been a way of imitating, and disguising oneself from, the Aos Sí. Divination rituals and games were also a big part of the festival and often involved nuts and apples. In the late 19th century, Sir John Rhys and Sir James Frazersuggested that it was the "Celtic New Year", and this view has been repeated by some other scholars.[5]
In the 9th century AD, Western Christianityshifted the date of All Saints' Day to 1 November, while 2 November later became All Souls' Day. Over time, Samhain and All Saints'/All Souls' merged to create the modern Halloween.[6] Historians have used the name 'Samhain' to refer to Gaelic 'Halloween' customs up until the 19th century.[7]
Since the later 20th century, Celtic neopagansand Wiccans have observed Samhain, or something based on it, as a religious holiday.[8]Neopagans in the Southern Hemisphere often celebrate Samhain at the other end of the year (about 1 May).
As a pagan saimhain is one of the major sabbath I observe being of Irish and Scottish descent I often incorporate a small offering and ritual to Morigen goddess of warfare and luck in battle