Samhain is the time for us to release the spirits of those who have died during the previous year and for us to honor our ancestors.
Samhain is not a scary time, like some religions or media would like people to believe. This is a time when the veil is thin and we can spend time with the spirits of those we loved. A time when we say good-bye to those who have left this physical plane. Though this is not a time of sadness, but a way to celebrate with the Dead.
Samhain also celebrates endings, and as such death. It honors the transition from light to dark. The growing time is over for this turn of the Wheel and the Earth begins it’s slumber.
Samhain is celebrated during October 31st – November 1st
Some other names this Sabbat is known by: Allantide, Calan Gaef, Calan Gwaf, Feast of Mongfind, Gealach a Ruadhain, Kala-Goanv, Nos Calan, Coef, Nos CalanGaef, Nos Cyn Calan Gaual, Nos Galan Gaeof, Oidche Shamhna, Oie Houney, Samhainn, Samhuinn, Samhtheine, Sauin, Third Harvest, Trinouxtion Samonii
Holidays/Traditions occurring during Samhain in the NH (Northern Hemisphere): All-Holland Day, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, Autumn Dziady, Boedromion, Day of the Faithful Dead, Dia de los Muertos, Diwali, Festival of Hacate, Hallowmas, Martinmas, Shadowfest, Triduum of Allhallows, Winter Finding
*Some of this information was found in Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials Samhain*