Calendar for October 31st, 2008

Halloween (All Hallows' Eve)

Before Halloween was associated with Christianity—the eve of All Hallows', or All Saint’s Day—the ancient Celts celebrated the eve of Samhain, the death night of the old year. Druids (priests) lit huge bonfires, while people dressed as demons and witches paraded noisily through the streets to frighten off the roving souls believed to be seeking new homes for the new year.