Samhain

I have been asked several times if Ireland celebrates Halloween... Yes. Today is Samhain or November Eve - now called "Hallowe'en". Samhain was the ancient Irish festival of winter and the dead. November 1st is the first day of winter here - when the weather becomes wild and there are just a few hours of daylight. Traditionally the Samhain was gloomy and sinister when the cattle were driven down from their summer pastures, when animals were slaughtered, and there was an onset of cold and darkness. It is believed that this crossing over from the harvest months to the short dark days of winter was a time when the boundaries between the natural and supernatural worlds were broken down. Although the day was a dark day it was not necessarily a scary day, in many ways it was a lighter, merrier sort of day. In many parts of the country, households would go to bed early on Samhain and leave their kitchen lighted and heated for the arrival of the dead ancestors, who could then spend a comfortable evening there.

Halloween today is very different. It, much like other holidays, has taken on an American flavor. It has just come about over the past decade (or so) that children dress up and go door to door trick or treating... And that stores have even started decorating. The interesting thing is that it is also a day of celebration. Fireworks are sold, roadside bonfires are built, and the pubs are full.