The Celtic New Year
For ancient Celts, November 1 was New Year’s Day. It was called Samhain (pronounced Sow-in.) On October 31, New Year’s Eve, it was thought that the souls of those who had died the previous year would rise for judgment. That was frightening for some people. If ghosts were roaming that night, spirits might harm the living or try to settle old scores. People began wearing disguises and carrying hollowed out turnips, with a lighted candle, to ward off evil spirits. Bonfires lit the night sky.