Changes

Early Welsh literature ascribes no importance to November 1, at least not compared to ''Calan Haf'' (May 1).<ref name="Morgan"/> This suggests that Samhain gained prominence in Ireland sometime after Irish culture and language split off from that of the Britons. The linguistic split became noticeable in the sixth century.

Early Welsh literature ascribes no importance to November 1, at least not compared to ''Calan Haf'' (May 1).<ref name="Morgan"/> This suggests that Samhain gained prominence in Ireland sometime after Irish culture and language split off from that of the Britons. The linguistic split became noticeable in the sixth century.

The legend of Saint Patrick building an Easter bonfire on the Hill of Slain to challenge the fire festival of Beltaine (May 1) is well known. That there is no equivalent legend concerning Samhain suggests that it was a day of less religious importance.

The legend of Saint Patrick building an Easter bonfire on the Hill of Slain to upstage the fire festival of Beltaine is well known. That there is no equivalent legend concerning Samhain suggests that it was a day of less religious importance.

=== Ulster Cycle and Medieval literature ===

=== Ulster Cycle and Medieval literature ===