Samhain (pronounced ``sow-in'') is an ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Celebrated on October 31st and November 1st, Samhain is one of the most important holidays in the Wheel of the Year.

According to the later Dindsenchas and the Annals of the Four Masters—which were written by Christian monks—Samhain in ancient Ireland was associated with a god or idol called Crom Cruach. The texts claim that a firstborn child would be sacrificed at the stone idol of Crom Cruach in Magh Slécht.

The main difference between Samhain and Halloween? In short, Halloween is a calendar holiday, celebrated the same day each year. Samhain's date could vary, independent of the calendar, because at the time of its inception, there were no calendars as we know them. If you went to church, you knew the date every Sunday.

Halloween (Samhain) is not an evil celebration. Samhain is about honouring ancestors and dearly departed, the season, and warding off evil. It's about light overcoming dark. And, in this way you can see how Samhain shares similarities with other festivals taking place around the world at this time of year.