Roots of Hallowe’en

Sun rituals

·      Summer rituals of pastoral societies

·      equinoxes and solstices of agricultural societies.

Summer Rituals

Celtic (Druids, Gaul and Britain) & Teutonic Festivals (Goths, Vandals, and Germans). Celebrate the beginning and end of summer.

·      Last night of the old year October 31

·      May Eve (night celebrates the May 1):

Equinoxes and solstices

·      Spring equinox: March 21

·      Fall equinox: about September 23.

Halfway on the ecliptic between the equinoxes are the summer and winter solstices.

·      Winter solstice: December 22

·      Summer Solstice: June 21

Main Source: Ruth Edna Kelley. 1919. “The Book of Hallowe'en” http://www.sacred-texts.com/pag/boh/index.htm.

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