Message: "Meaning of Samhain?"

Meaning of Samhain?

by Lucille (guest)

10/31/2002, 7:35 AM

Hi!

I'm doing a thesis on Samhain, the ancient Celtic feast to celebrate the beginning of a new year.

I'd like to know its meaning. For so far, I could only find the meaning of Halloween (which has its roots in Samhain), and some say that the true meaning of Samhain is unknown.

Maybe some of you could tell me what its meaning could be, no matter if it's less likely. I'm willing to list all possible meanings in my thesis.

Thank you very much in advance! I'd be eternally grateful! :-D

Regards,

Lucille

#Samhain

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- Lilith (guest) +2

10/31/2002, 8:28 PM

Cool thesis!

Religioustolerance.org: "McBain's Etymological Dictionary of the Gaelic Language says that 'samhuinn' (the Scots Gaelic spelling) means 'summer's end'..."

Later it the website also says: "The Scottish Gaelis Dictionary similarly defines Samhain as: 'Hallowtide. The Feast of All Soula. Sam + Fuin = end of summer.'"

[http://www.religioustolerance.org/hallo_sa.htm]

- Mike C

11/1/2002, 5:26 PM

You can see the entry in MacBain's dictionary here:
http://www.ceantar.org/Dicts/MB2/mb32.html#samhuinn

- Lucille (guest)

11/1/2002, 8:52 AM

Thanks for your help! :-D

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