Samhain
/ˈsɑːwɪn/noun
A Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
Did you know?Samhain is believed to be the origin of Halloween, where the dead are honored, and spirits are invited to join the living in celebration.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Celtic
PC
*samainā
“the time of summer”
Old Irish
Old Irish
samhain
“the end of summer”
Middle Irish
Middle Irish
samhain
“a festival marking the transition to winter”
Modern Irish
Modern Irish
samhain
“the festival of the dead celebrated on the night of October 31st”
Explore more surprising origins