Gm Frens,

Our Big Eyes picture theme this week is Halloween, so we’ll be exploring this popular celebration. From the ghosts and the ghouls, the witches and the candy, to the movies and the pumpkins — this season is loved by many! As we head closer to October 31st, Big Eyes is delving into the history of Halloween and exploring how it’s celebrated today.

Samhain Pronounced sow-in, this Gaelic festival is considered by many to be the root of modern day ‘Halloween’. Still celebrated under its original name in Ireland and Scotland, Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was traditionally held on November 1st but celebrations usually started on the evening of 31st October as the Celtic day began and ended at sunset. This celebration is approximately halfway between the Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice. Bonfires were lit and costumes were worn — this has truly been a night of festivities for centuries!

Samhain marks the ‘Feast of the Dead’ as many believe that on October 31st the veil between our world and the spirit realm is thin. Therefore, today it’s about reconnecting with our ancestors and honoring those who have died.