From Dawber's Secret Book of Bridelow (unpublished) SAMHAIN. (i)
In Bridelow, New Year is celebrated twice. Once in late February, at Candlemas, the feast of Brigid (and St Bride), when we look forward to the first signs of Spring. And also, of course, at Samhain – now sadly discredited as Hallowe'en – the Feast of the Dead.
This remains the most mysterious of Celtic festivals, a time when we remember the departed and the tradition bequeathed to us. A time, also, when the dead may be consulted, although such practices have been actively discouraged because of the inherent danger to the health and sanity of the living.