Sir, - Fr Patrick Mulcahy (October 25th), states that Hallowe'en is a Christian feast. I would suggest that Hallowe'en has become a Christian festival.
The great Irish pre-Christian festival of the Samhain takes place on October 31st, the eve of the Samhain (meaning summer's end). At this time tributes were paid, marriages took place and food was stored.
Tara was, at the Samhain, burnt by triple-headed goddess, the EllΘn Trechenn, from the otherworld cave at Cruachain A∅, Co Roscommon, and from the otherworld mound (s∅d) on the top of Slieve Fuad or the Fews, Co Armagh. At this time all the otherworld mounds are opened and all the spirits of the dead come forth.
This festival never died and if anything, regardless of American cultural influences, is increasing in strength. - Yours, etc.,
Daragh Smyth, Clonakilty, Co Cork.