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Garrett Olmsted of Cornell University argues that Samhain was once observed on the winter solstice (December 21) and gradually shifted to November 1 after centuries of calendar drift.<ref name="Olmsted"/> It is sometimes suggested, especially by neo-pagans, that the Celts intended to select a date halfway between the equinox and the solstice. By this logic, November 7 is the "real" date of Samhain.

Garrett Olmsted of Cornell University argues that Samhain was once observed on the winter solstice (December 21) and gradually shifted to November 1 after centuries of calendar drift.<ref name="Olmsted"/> It is sometimes suggested, especially by neo-pagans, that the Celts intended to select a date halfway between the equinox and the solstice. By this logic, November 7 is the "real" date of Samhain.

Samhain has an ancient history as a marker for the first day of winter. But it's status as a festival is not straightforward. The story of St. Patrick building an Easter bonfire on the Hill of Slain to compete the fire festival of Beltaine (May 1) is well known. That there is no equivalent legend concerning Samhain suggests that this day was of less importance.  

Samhain has an ancient history as a marker for the first day of winter. But it's status as a festival is less clear. The story of St. Patrick building an Easter bonfire on the Hill of Slain to compete with the fire festival of Beltaine (May 1) is well known. That there is no equivalent legend concerning Samhain suggests that this day was of less importance.  

''Regula Coenobialis of St Columban'', written in AD 540‐615, is the oldest source to describe November 1 as the first day of winter. The earliest mention of Samhain is found in the ninth century text ''Felire Oengusso.'' It spells the word as ''Samain.'' November 1 was Christianized as All Saints Day in the eighth century.<ref>“Rule 7: … up to the beginning of winter, that is, the first of November.” ''Regula Coenobialis of St Columban''.<br/>“Lonán, Colmán, Cronán with their bright sunny following the hosts of Hilarius sure multitudinous ennoble stormy All‐Saints’ day [Samain].” ''Felire Oengusso.''</ref><ref name="Morgan">Morgan, Bernard, "[https://www.academia.edu/30803038/The_semantic_shift_of_Samain_from_Summer_to_Winter The semantic shift of Samain from Summer to Winter]".</ref>

''Regula Coenobialis of St Columban'', written in AD 540‐615, is the oldest source to describe November 1 as the first day of winter. The earliest mention of Samhain is found in the ninth century text ''Felire Oengusso.'' It spells the word as ''Samain.'' November 1 was Christianized as All Saints Day in the eighth century.<ref>“Rule 7: … up to the beginning of winter, that is, the first of November.” ''Regula Coenobialis of St Columban''.<br/>“Lonán, Colmán, Cronán with their bright sunny following the hosts of Hilarius sure multitudinous ennoble stormy All‐Saints’ day [Samain].” ''Felire Oengusso.''</ref><ref name="Morgan">Morgan, Bernard, "[https://www.academia.edu/30803038/The_semantic_shift_of_Samain_from_Summer_to_Winter The semantic shift of Samain from Summer to Winter]".</ref>