On the 31st of October, pagan cults celebrate Samhain, the summer’s end, the third and the last harvest, the first day of winter, the day of the dead, the first day marking Witches’ New Year…

Samhain is the winter season of the ancient Celts. The Celts divided the year into four quarters: Samhain (winter), Imbolc (spring), Beltane (summer), and Lughnasadh (autumn). The Celtic year began in November, with Samhain. The Celts were influenced principally by the lunar and stellar cycles which governed the agricultural year – beginning and ending in autumn when the crops have been harvested and the soil is prepared for the winter.

The excerpt is from Samhain.com and, for more relevant details about the significance of this day, I’d recommend visiting the Celtic Spirit site, as well as the community form Wicca.com.

As I was looking for a picture (painting, drawing, even photo) of a red haired girl to insert in this entry, I’ve found out that there are some rumours that Cleopatra’s hair had actually been red, not black, fact which I found most interesting, as I had always known that Egyptians were black or dark-haired (and no, I’m not referring to the wigs that members of their high society were wearing). I’ll probably look further into this matter, it really managed to get my attention.

Leaving these matters aside, I’ve found a book that I’d really enjoy reading now: A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton. I hope I can get it as soon as possible.

P.S. The beautiful image above is a picture made by William Bouguereau, named Psamathe (c. 1880).

Categories: Art/Culture