Samhain pronounced Sow-en is a tradition that is observed in many cultures and paths throughout the world. All are observed on the same night October 31st.

However the their are differences only few however:

 

One of the most common of course is halloween, funny/scary masks, candy etc all well known aspects. However one of  the less known most common meaning of these ideas was to hide the humans in costume, from the spirits in their world on the one night that the veil between is thinest, so that the spirits could not take human souls back with them.  The candies where used as a bribe to stop any spirits that did discover the true identity of the human. Cool beginnings to a wonderfully fun evening for children and the young at heart lolol.

 

The next but a little less common is Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos. This is a tradition a little closer to the Wiccan belief system where it is considered a day to honor the dead.

 

Samhain is the time that Wiccan beliefs are based in celebrating loved ones and ancestors who have passed to the  Summerland. Some Wiccans extend an invitation to their loved ones to join them on this evening for a time. Others use this time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the new. As the snow covers the world I as a solitary prepare for a period of rest and rejuvination, as do most. Until Spring when the world awakens to a new beginning. Each of the Pagan, Wiccan paths have their own views on what this means but again they don't vary that greatly.

 

Hope this is a little informative of a few different views on this fun and interesting holiday.

Please feel free to add your ideas as its always nice to learn from all aspects of life and belief.

 

Brite Blessings

Maeven