Celtic for ‘summers end’, Samhain is one of the most important dates in the Celtic calendar, if not the most important. It marks the completion of one year and the beginning of another.

Calan Gaeaf is the name of the first day of winter in Wales, observed on 1 November.^[1] The night before is Nos Galan Gaeaf^[1] or Noson Galan Gaeaf, an Ysbrydnos (“spirit night”^[2]) when spirits are abroad. Traditionally, people avoid churchyards, stiles, and crossroads, since spirits are thought to gather there. The term is first recorded in literature as “Kalan Gayaf” in the laws of Hywel Dda. The same term, Kalan Gwav, is found in the Cornish language, and Kalan Goañv in Breton.

Hallow’s e’en, time of remembering all saints all souls

calling in the ancestors

As the lamps and fires are relit

ghosts lurking in dark corners

Call them home

make peace

time to let go