Samhain In The Northern Hemisphere

Samhain
1. What are the beginning and end dates it falls in the Northern Hemisphere
Samhain is the Sabbat that is celebrated from the night of October 30 through the first of November. Since Samhain is based off of Nature then the date is not actually the same every year. It falls halfway between the fall equinox and winter solstice. It is considered a quarter celebration. It is an ancient celebration of Celtic origins. There are two times a year when it is said that the veil between the words is thin. Samhain is one of them.
2. What are the beginning and end dates it falls in the Southern Hemisphere
When it is Samhain in the Northern Hemisphere, is Beltane in the Southern Hemisphere. The Southern Hemisphere is six months different
People would put out their hearth fire or let it go out and then relight it from the bonfire. It represented that all was well and everything was renewed. People would leave candles in the windows to help the family spirits find their way. Also, when the Feast of the Dead was celebrated, among other things, a place was set at the table for the ancestor's spirits that were wandering the night. Food would also be left outside for the dead, or less fortunate of the village. If someone came around asking for food and they were given some it would be considered lucky then they would have a good year. If were turned down, then tricks would be played on them. Because of the veil being thin on that night, there were other spirits out that were not benign. It was deemed unsafe to go traveling on Samhain. Sometimes people would bury apples along the road to appease the ghosts. They tended to trouble unfortunate travelers. That is why people would dress in white and have masks or disguises. It is also a good time for divination. Since the veil is so thin, it allows a better and clearer reading. It is also a good reason to protect yourself if you are doing magickal workings so that nothing unwanted comes through to
What are the beginning and end dates it falls in the Southern Hemisphere
Since the Southern Hemisphere is the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere as far as the Sabbats and Wheel of the Year, Yule falls in June. It is celebrated at the same time the Northern Hemisphere celebrates Litha: June 21-23rd.
3. Similar Celebrations that fall around or on this date. Saturnalia which is a festival celebrating Saturn, it was a big holiday in ancient Rome. It was a festival of unchecked partying,basically an orgy. Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday that is an eight day festival in early December that is a re-dedication of the Holy Temple. In the 2nd century there was a miracle of having one nights oil last eight nights. Then there is Christmas. In the Western world, it is celebrated on December 25th and is considered Christ's birthday. I learned that in other countries such as Armenia, it is celebrated in January.
4. What is the purpose of the celebrations
Yule is a holiday that focuses on family. It is a time for members to bond with each other. It is a time for us to renew our inner presence and seek peace. That is why it is better to “give than receive” as I was told from the time I can remember. I do not know where the quote came from as I am sure my grandmother did not invent it. But it seems that as in so many ways, she was correct. It makes the heart sing when someone lights up from a gift you have given