As I travel the world I am always amazed at the different holidays each country celebrates. I understand where Thanksgiving and Christmas come from, but how did Halloween slip in the end of October?
The Celtic Origins: Samhain Festival
Samhain: The Festival of the Dead
Most of the customs of Halloween are remnants of ancient beliefs. November 1 was New Year’s Day for the Celtic tribes who inhabited Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. On the proceeding night, they celebrated the festival of “Samhain,” Lord of the Dead, to mark the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. The Celts believed that during Samhain, witches and ghosts roamed the countryside and that the souls of the dead came home. They lit bonfires to scare away the witches and set out food and lanterns to welcome the dead souls.
Roman Influence: Pomona and Halloween
The Roman harvest feast of Pomona, the fruit goddess, was held about the same time of year and the Roman conquerors added their own rituals to Samhain. The fruit centerpieces, apples, and nuts used in their celebration are still popular today. The ancient Romans also bobbed for apples and drank cider, traditions which are now part of our Halloween.
Christian Influence: All Hallows Eve
In the 800’s the Catholic Church declared November 1 as “All Saints Day: or “All Hallows Day.” The evening before became “All Hallows Even,” Which was eventually shortened to “Halloween.”
Irish Contributions: Trick-or-Treating and Mischief
The Irish also originated the custom of “trick-or-treat” centuries ago when they went from house to house on Halloween to beg for food for a community feast and materials to make the bonfire. Those who gave generously were promised blessings for the coming year, and the stingy threatened with plagues of bad luck. They also believed that the ghosts and witches created mischief on this night, so that any practical joke could be blamed on these supernatural forces. When the Irish Catholic immigrants began to settle in the United States in the 1800’s, their Halloween holiday and many of its customs came with them.
Modern Halloween: From Ancient Rituals to Festive Fun
Halloween today has only remnants of the ancient rituals. The ghosts and goblins and witches and black cats that had deep meanings in times past are now just part of the merrymaking, parties, and color of this holiday.
Halloween brings out the kid in everyone! It’s just the excuse we’ve all been waiting for to dress up and be a little zany.
So there you have a glimpse into where Halloween came from. Now deck out in you costume and have some fun enjoying a special holiday.
