Calan Gaeaf, celebrations start at sunset of October 31.
Calan Gaeaf, celebrations start at sunset of October 31. is held on November 1. Wales. This event in the first decade of the month November is annual. Help us
Experience yourself as part of the Circle of Life and reflect on death and rebirth as being an important part of Nature. Calan Gaeaf is the name of the first day of winter in Wales, observed on 1 November. The night before is Nos Galan Gaeaf or Noson Galan Gaeaf, an Ysbrydnos ("spirit night") when spirits are abroad. Traditionally, people avoid churchyards, stiles, and crossroads, since spirits are thought to gather there.
It was on Nos Calan Gaeaf or All-Hallows Eve that the strangest things were said to occur. Not only were spirits said to roam freely but it was believed that the ghosts of the dead were to be seen at midnight on every stile.
Local people would gather together on Noson Galan Gaeaf, each writing their name on a stone. The stones would be placed in the bonfire or coelcerth. The following morning, the ashes would be inspected. If the stone with your name was missing, it was seen as an omen of your impending death.
Similar holidays and events, festivals and interesting facts
Blessed Dominic Collins on October 31 (Catholic, Ireland, Society of Jesus);
Samhain in the Northern Hemisphere and Beltane in the Southern Hemisphere on November 1 (celebrations start at sunset of October 31. Neopagan Wheel of the Year);
Samhain on November 1 (Celtic harvest festival and Druid festival of Celtic mythology);
St. Stephen's Day on December 26 (public holiday in Alsace, Austria, Andorra, Catalonia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia and Switzerland);