When we think of Halloween, we think of costumes, pumpkins, and trick or treating. But have you ever wondered where all this came from?
Halloween originated from the Celtic mythology. Celts believed that ghosts and spirits wandered around the world barrier-free at the end of summer and Halloween was a massive party to scare away these dead spirits by dressing up as demons in defense.
The word “Halloween” comes from the Scottish phrase of “All-hallow even”(All Holy Evening). This was the night before All Saints Day, November 1, which was a solemn Christian festival in honor of all saints. Irish peasants created an “All Damned Day” on October 31, complementing All Saints Day, to please the fearful souls in hell as well.
Halloween originated from the Celtic mythology. Celts believed that ghosts and spirits wandered around the world barrier-free at the end of summer and Halloween was a massive party to scare away these dead spirits by dressing up as demons in defense.
The word “Halloween” comes from the Scottish phrase of “All-hallow even”(All Holy Evening). This was the night before All Saints Day, November 1, which was a solemn Christian festival in honor of all saints. Irish peasants created an “All Damned Day” on October 31, complementing All Saints Day, to please the fearful souls in hell as well.
In the 19th century, Halloween first spread to the United States by Irish immigrants. During the 20th century, Halloween gained great popularity with traditions of Jack o’ Lanterns and trick or treating appearing in many tv shows and books.
As for trick or treating, the tradition first started when poor adults and children went “guising,” begging for food or money door to door in the Middle-Ages. Some Irish Catholics continued this tradition on the eve of All Saints’ Day, which became known as “souling.”
It is believed that disguises represented various souls, and Jack O’ Lanterns were candles sheltered from the wind in hollowed-out gourds or turnips. Moreover, the Celtic tradition of carving faces into vegetables for good spirits led carved pumpkins become the symbol of Halloween.
From Día de los Muertos in Mexico and Spain, China’s The Hungry Ghost Festival, to Gai Jatra in Nepal, Halloween has spread widely, with people adopting different traditions from the same idea of celebrating dead spirits. Immigrants brought various traditions that mixed into the United States, and Halloween quickly settled as a kid-friendly community activity it’s largely seen as today. Now enjoy Halloween not only with the thought of candies and costumes, but also knowing where it all started.
From Día de los Muertos in Mexico and Spain, China’s The Hungry Ghost Festival, to Gai Jatra in Nepal, Halloween has spread widely, with people adopting different traditions from the same idea of celebrating dead spirits. Immigrants brought various traditions that mixed into the United States, and Halloween quickly settled as a kid-friendly community activity it’s largely seen as today. Now enjoy Halloween not only with the thought of candies and costumes, but also knowing where it all started.