The word Samhain literally means 'summer's end'. Generally celebrated on the 31^st of October, it also has an alternative date in the 1^st of November. Samhain is one of the two 'spirits nights' in each year, the other being Beltane. It also goes by the name of Halloween, and marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter for the Celtics. The celebrations have survived in several guises as a festival dedicated to the dead, to specially commemorate the souls of the dead.

It was once believed that the ghosts of all persons who were destined to die in the coming year could be seen walking in the graveyard on this night. Perhaps, this was because the line between the dead and the living is at it's thinnest on this night. But Samhain has never been associated with with any kind of evil or negativity. Though death is a part of the symbolism of this festival, this holiday has always been a time to reflect and remember our loved ones who have passed away and to celebrate the triumph of life over death. It was also customary to light a fire on the hearth of the home, which would burn continuously till the first day of Spring. This is also the time of the year to get rid of your weaknesses. Write your's on a piece of paper, meditate on them and burn it preferably on the ritual fire, thank the Lord and the Lady and continue with the celebrations.

Samhain is a day filled with positive energy. It is symbolic with the icy winter ahead, the warmth of being with loved ones is filled to the brim. Samhain is also a time for change and a time to look into the future. Today, pagans dress in colorful clothes and costumes reflecting those changes that they hope to see the next year. Being closely associated with magic and witchery and enchantment, it is no surprise that subchain is a night of mystery for many. The black, orange, white, silver and gold colored candles on the altar represent many spiritual things and beliefs and should be only lit with altar matches.

There are many traditions linked with Samhain. Many Halloween traditions stem form here. The idea of trick and Treat is found here, though various theories on it's origin exist. Some say that it is the old Irish tradition of going door to door asking for donations or money or food for the new year's feast... which was carried over to the U.S from the British Isles. Another famous custom is that of the Jack-O-Lantern. It is said that on subchain night, all fires of the household were extinguished and were only to be rekindled from the Bonfire. In order to carry the live ember to the homes, people carved out a hollow from fleshy vegetables such as a gourd or pumpkin. Knowing that the veil between the world of humans and spirits was the weakest and thinnest this night, they carved out frightening faces on the vegetables to keep the evil spirits at bay. The Apple was also an auspicious fruit that is widely used in this holiday. Apple peeling was an important ritual that measured the expectancy of a person's life by the length of the apple peel. Apart from these, an empty plate was also placed at the family dinner, for those who had departed to honor their soul and spirit.

In some particular types of paganism, specially Wicca, subchain is one of the eight annual holidays or sabbath. They invariably attract large gatherings, where the gates of life and death are opened and to the living, the mystery of life is revealed that every ending is but a new beginning. So, be ready to plant the seeds of something new, and use the energies of this festival to achieve your heart's desires !

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com