The Pagan Student Union will be hosting the All Hallow’s Eve Masquerade Ball on Saturday, Oct.29 from 8 to 11 p.m. in Dods Multipurpose Room. The Masquerade Ball will be to celebrate the ancient Gaelic holiday, Samhain, now connected with Halloween. Pre-sale Tickets can be obtained from the Ticket Office for $5.
Samhain is a celebration observed October 31 through November 1 that commemorates the end of the of harvesting season and beginning of winter. The etymology of the word can be traced to Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Breton, and even old Norse languages which used it to imply the end of summer or November 1.
After the 8th century, the date of Samhain was associated with the Catholic All Saints' Day (and later All Souls' Day).
Both the secular Gaelic and the Catholic liturgical festival have influenced the secular customs now connected with Halloween.
