Samhain 2024 Date: Are Samhain and Halloween the Same? Know the Significance of the Annual Celtic Festival
The festival of Samhain was not recorded in detail until the early modern era. Records state that special bonfires were lit, which were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers.
Samhain is an annual ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The festival is traditionally celebrated from October 31 to November 1. The festival of Samhain is believed to have originated in Ireland and Scotland, when people believed that the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, allowing spirits to cross over into the mortal world. People would light bonfires, wear costumes, and make offerings to appease spirits and ensure protection through the winter. This year, Samhain 2024 will begin on the evening of Thursday, October 31 and will end on Friday, November 1, 2024. Why Is Halloween Always Celebrated on October 31? Know the Origin, Meaning, History and Significance of the Spooky Festival.
The festival of Samhain was not recorded in detail until the early modern era. Records state that special bonfires were lit, which were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers. In this article, let’s know more about Samhain 2024 date and the significance of the annual event.
Samhain 2024 Date
Samhain 2024 will begin on the evening of Thursday, October 31 and will end on Friday, November 1, 2024
Samhain Significance
Samhain was said to be that time of the year when the living made contact with the dead, mainly said to be 'spirits' or 'fairies'. Most scholars see them as remnants of pagan gods. On the day of Samhain, these spirits were appeased with offerings of food and drink to ensure the people and livestock survived the winter. Bhoot Chaturdashi 2024: Brahmadaitya Ghost, Petni Bhoot and Other Ghosts in Bengali Folklore – the Mystique of Bhoot Chaturdashi.
The souls of dead kin were also thought to revisit their homes seeking hospitality, and a place was set at the table for them during a meal. Celebrations begin on the evening of October 31, since the Celtic day began and ended at sunset. This is about halfway between the autumnal equinox and winter solstice. Samhain is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals along with Imbolc, Bealtaine, and Lughnasa.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2024 02:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).