Changes

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.

The Welsh observe ''Calan Gaeaf'' on November 1. This name refers to the first day of winter. The Britons, ancestors of the Welsh, converted to the Julian calendar several centuries before the Irish did, which was around AD 450. So the Julian dates for Celtic winter and summer may reflect earlier British practice.

The Welsh observe ''Calan Gaeaf'' on November 1. This name refers to the first day of winter. The Britons, ancestors of the Welsh, converted to the Julian calendar several centuries before the Irish did, which was around AD 450. So the Julian dates for Celtic winter and summer may reflect earlier British practice.