Pagan Origins of Samhain

Samhain (pronounced Sowen) or Halloween is one of the four cross-quarterly festivals in the Wheel of the Year (Pagan calendar).  It takes place on the 31st October (but can last until 2nd November) and marks the last of three harvest festivals, the other two being Lammas and Mabon. This day is also known as All Hallow’s Eve, The Feast of the Dead or the Witch’s New Year.