October 31

This date is known as Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Shadowfest, Allentide and Samhain which is said to be pronounced as sow-en.

This is near the end of the harvest season when the days grow darker and winter approaches.  The Sun appears to be weakening or dieing as it rises less and less into the sky with each day.

Samhain is said to be the new year for witches which is to be both solemn and joyous.

This date is halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice.  It is one of the important dates of the Wheel of the Year.  

Is it a surprise to anyone that Christians celebrate this ancient pagan holiday with parties?  Modern religions still celebrate many days that were celebrated by those who worshiped the Sun.  Those Pagans! We are not like the Pagans, or are we?  Not much has changed.