Samhain, pronounced SOW-en, is a pagan holiday typically celebrated on October 31st. Regarded as the third and final of the harvest festivals, this day is hugely important to many, as it is the beginning of the shift from one half of the year to the next. Many aspects of Samhain play into contemporary Halloween celebrations.
As a Wiccan, I, and some others, refer to Samhain as the Witches New Year, and use the day to start setting intentions that will manifest over the next year - similar to New Year's Resolutions people set on December 31st.
Samhain is the day where the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest. Because of this, many use this day as an opportunity to contact the other side. This is done in different ways from tarot readings, to rune pulls, and using spirit boards.
It is also a great day to remember your loved ones that have passed on and are already in the spirit world. In a similar vein to Day of the Dead celebrations, Samhain is the time of year where many witches and pagans alike decorate their altar space with pictures and other remembrances of loved ones to honor them. Due to the belief that the spirits of loved ones are closer to us at this time of year, it is also common to see some weddings and other big events happen, so those members can be there.
And this is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are tons of different views on the holiday and ways to celebrate. Curious for more information? Here are a few links to other resources you might want to check out:
How do you plan on spending your Samhain?
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