Oíche Samhna, Irish-Gaelic for "Halloween." It's been said that Oíche Shamhna (Halloween) is more a genuine Irish celebration than St. Patrick's Day. It's an ancient festival that has pagan roots, but fits right in with the celebration of All Saints Day on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd. This was the day when the boundary between the living and the dead was fluid. And this fluidity also marked the Irish-Catholic upbringing I experienced.
On November 2nd Mexicans and Mexican-Americans (we have many in Lake County, Ohio) celebrate el Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. This might involve a trip to the cemetery, decorating the graves of those who have passed on, and the eating of a meal (with a plate left for the dead) at the cemetery.
Here's a bet you can win. Bet your friends that they can't correctly pronounce the Irish words for Halloween. It's something close to EE-huh HOW-nuh, believe it or not!
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