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| Samhain |
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| The New Year for the Celts started in the autumn, just like it did for the Israelites. Specifically, what we call November 1 they called "samhain". This is in Gaelic the general term for "autumn" and the particular term for "November", not some "Celtic god of the dead" as some less-informed have alleged. |
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| The Lord Himself mandated a celebration among the Israelites be held about this time of year, called the "Feast of Ingathering" (or Tabernacles or Booths; also "Sukkoth"). Clann a' Chalmain gathers at this time of the turning of the year (when the south Texas weather has finally cooled off a bit) to celebrate our Lord's blessings as seems best to us - a campout under the stars, friendly athletic competitions, music, storytelling, and, of course, lots of good home cooking! All are welcome to join us in welcoming the beginning of another cycle in God's ongoing project of growing us into His image. |
| While this ancient celebration is often maligned in evangelical Christian circles, we have researched its history and found that it is nothing more sinister than another "fall harvest festival" of the type celebrated around the world in almost all cultures of temperate climes. To be sure, pagans of any culture will celebrate in pagan ways for pagan purposes. That doesn't mean that Christians have to celebrate like pagans or that by celebrating at this time of year we are participating in satanic rites. |
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