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.
5. Samhuinn Fire Festival
A performer attends the Samhuinn Fire Festival at Holyrood Park. Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
6. Samhuinn Fire Festival
A performer attends the Samhuinn Fire Festival at Holyrood Park. Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
7. Samhuinn Fire Festival
A performer attends the Samhuinn Fire Festival at Holyrood Park, in Edinburgh. Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
8. Samhuinn Fire Festival
Performers during the Samhuinn Fire Festival in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire Photo: Andrew Milligan