T. (Okiemockbird), I am enjoying your contributions. I came across the Celtic New Year idea first, I think, in a book on Celtic mythology (I'll have to find the authors later something like Gwyn Williams), which compared Celtic myth with Indian (sub continent) material, and Samhain with Diwali, which is the beginning of that year. It's not exactly evidence, but there were a lot of parallels. I'd like to say I'll go and check and get back, but I have a few calls on my time at the moment.

Penny