More an observance the holiday but ...
Samhain (sa win) begins this evening and runs through tomorrow evening since thats the way ancient Celts in Scotland and Ireland figured the days. It marks the end of summer and was a time when herds were driven down from higher pasture in Scotland. SLike other ancient observations based on astronomical events it was generally considered an important time. And a good reason, if one was necessary, to party.
The onset of darker winter months, long associated with end of life, suggested a brief period when ancestors and living descendants were less separated than usual. The "veil" between the worlds was more easily penetrated according to folk lore. People went about "begging" tokens but in costume so as not to be recognized by ancestral spirits lest they be tempted to remain among the living. And, of course, there were bonfires. Seems ancient folks always had bonfires. Especially the northern Celts.
When christianity arrived on the scene the ancient observance was overlain with All Saint Day on November 1 and things pretty much rolled along. Right down to today in mostly the same form even if the origins are not well known.
So regardless of whether one observes Samhain or All Hallows Eve or both. It's still a good time for a camp fire and a party. May all your tricks be treats
