Once celebrated from October 31 to November 1 by ancient Celts, Samhain, pronounced "SOW-in" or "SAH-win," marked the shift from the brighter to the darker half of the year and was seen as a time when the boundary between the physical and spirit worlds was thought to weaken, influencing the development of contemporary Halloween customs.
1. Samhuinn Fire Festival
Performers during the Samhuinn Fire Festival in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire Photo: Andrew Milligan
2. Samhuinn Fire Festival
Performers during the Samhuinn Fire Festival in Holyrood Park. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire Photo: Andrew Milligan
3. Samhuinn Fire Festival
Performers during the Samhuinn Fire Festival in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire Photo: Andrew Milligan
4. Samhuinn Fire Festival
A performer attends the Samhuinn Fire Festival at Holyrood Park. Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN