Samhain

Editor,

I enjoyed reading Paul Guffin’s account of Halloween’s origins last week. However, his story failed to mention the way Christianity’s All Hallows Eve resembles the pagan Celtic festival of the dead, Samhain, a liminal time when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld could most easily be crossed.

Thus, it was a time when “dead souls” could arrive to pester some Celtic villages with demands for treats (food and drink) in return for songs and dances. Threats of mischief were issued, as well, if said treats were not forthcoming.

Buying some candy to keep the ghouls away does seem like a good idea, don’t you agree?

Carl Butz

Downieville