Samhuinn

Sunset on this day marks the end of summer and the beginning of the Celtic year. The Celts believed that on this night, the powers of good and evil were awakened and the spirits of darkness were in the ascendant. It was celebrated in the dark with purifying fires being lit at sundown in both graveyards and at the sites of sacred stones.

Current ideas about both Hallowe'en and Bonfire night have their origins in these Celtic traditions. However, the rise of the Christian church saw the introduction of a new festival to celebrate the yearly harvest and Samhuinn, the most significant festival of the Celtic faith, became a night when Christian saints were hallowed.

Paraphrased; A Year in a Scot's Kitchen, Catherine Brown.

The image was taken in the local churchyard just before sunset. So I guess I should wish every one a happy new year!