The new year in Europe used to be November 1. The night before is Samhain, when the barriers between worlds are weak & you might see someone who has passed on. This is a
time for honoring your ancestors & lost loved ones. Bobbing for apples & eating nuts are part of the celebrations. Children represent the future, so they are made happy
with sweets to encourage a happy future. The spirits called pookas are active at this time & any crops still in the ground are dedicated to them. This belief prevents people from trying to eat things that weren't harvested soon enough & are likely already rotting.
