In Christianity, today is All Hallows' Evening, or the evening before All Hallows' Day or All Saints' Day (or Hallowmas). Of course, the term is usually contracted to All Hallows' Eve or just Halloween. As a religious observance, is begins the time of Allhallowtide when the dead, including the saints (hallows) and martyrs are remembered and honored. The day may have roots in the Gaelic festival Samhain, but the setting of Hallowmas may date from the 8th century papacy of Gregory III.
This site provides many different aspects of the day.
And this is indeed Samhain, a festival of Gaelic origin that is still a pagan holiday. It begins this evening and traditionally marks the end of the harvest festival. As
this site indicates, it is a New Years holiday and a time for honoring ancestors.
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