Historic Samhain
	Samhain [pronounced "So-wen"] is the final harvest celebration of the agricultural year. As the plants began to die and the weather turned colder it was natural to become introspective. This time of year belonged to the Goddess in her Crone aspect. The Old Lord been sacrificed at Lugnasadh or Mabon and the Young Lord was not yet born. It was a time of reflection and possibly of fear. Celebrated on the night between October 31 and November 1, it was at this time of year that the herds and flocks were culled of the beasts which were not expected to live through the winter. The meat was dried or salted for use thoughout the winter months. Though Samhain marked the end of the agricultural year, it was the first holiday in the Celtic Wheel of the Year. The Celts believed that the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead was very thin on Samhain Eve, just as it was on Beltaine and Midsummer's Eve. When the veil thinned, the souls of those who had died during the previous year could enter the Summerland. The living could also journey into the land of the Dead. When the Celts converted to Christianity in the 5th and 6th Centuries, Samhain was changed to "All Hallow's Eve" and was suppposed to be a time to honor those who had died for their faith. In time, All Hallows Eve became "Hallowe'en", which is now usually spelled "Halloween". For many years Christian churches have fought to surpress the celebration, but it continues to be one of America's favorite holidays, second only to Christmas in the amount spent on decorations and gifts related to the holiday.
	Celebrating Samhain with your children. Read traditional Faerytales Paint or carve a face on a pumpkin. Share the story of Wicked Jack. Save the pumpkin seeds to roast and plant. Have a party! Visit your local library to find scary stories, books of party ideas, etc. (Yes, it's okay to do the slick, commercial Halloween party--we're supposed to be having fun! Just make sure your share your own feelings of veneration for the Crone with your children when they are old enough to understand that not everyone believes the same way.) Consult your favorite oracle about the future (See suggestions in the Mabon Fun pages.) Remember departed friends and family--Go through your photo album sharing anachdotes about the people in the photos. If you don't know your family history, try to contact older members of your family and ask them to write or record reminisenses about departed family members. Go for a walk in the woods or another favorite outdoor location. Collect seed pods, feathers, fallen leaves, etc. to construct a Samhain Altar. Add pictures of departed friends and pets to your altar. If your children are of an age to understand, share your feelings about life and death with them. The subject will probably come up naturally as you are collecting the materials for your altar. Your children will feel better knowing what you believe.

Background information for Parents
Celts and the Faeries Celebrating Samhain with your Pagan Child Samhain Fun Grandma's Cauldron

Beltaine| Imbolc| Lugnasadh| Mabon| Mid-Summer| Ostara| Samhain| Yule|