Samhain

[ sah-win ]

/ ˈsɑ wɪn /

a festival of the ancient Celts, held around November 1 to celebrate the beginning of winter.

Origin of Samhain

1885–90; < Irish; Old Irish samain

The shadows of the dead gather round at Samhain time to see is there any one among their friends saying a few Masses for them.

Visions and Beliefs in the West of Ireland, Second Series |Lady Gregory
The second battle took place twenty-seven years after the first, on Samhain.

The Religion of the Ancient Celts |J. A. MacCulloch
Their repose of manner may come from modern France; at least so held Mr. Yeats, pointing to such a source in "Samhain" of 1902.

Irish Plays and Playwrights |Cornelius Weygandt
Mother: I must make my feast all the same, for Samhain night is more to me than to any other one.

Seven Short Plays |Lady Gregory

And any one that came to her house at Samhain time might stay till Beltaine, and have his choice then to go or to stay.

Gods and Fighting Men |Lady I. A. Gregory

Samhain

/ (ˈsɑːwɪn, ˈsaʊeɪn, ˈsaʊɪn) /

an ancient Celtic festival held on Nov 1 to mark the beginning of winter and the beginning of a new year. It is also celebrated by modern pagans

from Irish, from Old Irish samain