The Origins of Halloween: The Story Behind The Haunted Traditions

Halloween, the night of the dead has been around for more than a thousand years. It has undergone changes over the centuries. Yet, it remains one of the most-awaited nights of the year.

Halloween was originally a religious event, which has now trickled down as a dress-up and costume party mostly for kids.

Have you ever wondered about the origins of Halloween? This story will give you answers related to the meaning, origin, and the trick or treating tradition of Halloween.

Halloween is one of the most ancient holidays with its roots coming from ancient Europe. It was celebrated on October 31st, when the warm summer months transitioned into the cold, dark winter.

Halloween is celebrated around the world in some form. However, this ancient tradition is a part to the Celtic festival of Samhain.

The Celtic harvest festival, mostly the Gaelic festival Samhain was celebrated to mark the end of harvest season and the coming of winter.

The Celts believed this was the time when the veil between the world of the dead and living was at its thinnest point.

This allowed the dead who did not move on to the other world,  to return to the world of living.

Not much is known about the rituals of ancient Samhain. However, it is assumed to cattle slaughter and disposing the bones in bonfires.

Around the 5th century, Christianity came to Ireland. Soon the pagan symbols, festivals, legends, and other Samhain rituals became Christianized.

Samhain festival turned into all Hollow's Eve. It became a night of vigil. fasting, and prayer. Bonfires were lighted to honor Christian heroes and glory of the Christ.

The Puritans of New England did not  want to observe any holidays associated with the pagans.

They continued to celebrate Guy Fawkes day until the American revolution of 1775-1783.

The rituals of Samhain and All Hollow's Eve came to America with the Irish between 1845-1849.

Jack-o'-lantern was a part of the Irish folk tales. It was said Stingy Jack was a clever drunk who talked himself out of hell. However, as he was a sinner he was banned from heaven.

Jack roamed the world with a small lantern made of turnip containing an ember from hell. The Irish carved out turnips and placed candles inside. This helped protect them from the spirits as they went 'souling' on All Hallows' Eve.

The Irish on arrival in the United States started to use pumpkins as their jack-o'-lanterns. Soon, pumpkin became the choice of vegetable for carving these monstrous lanterns.

The destructive Guy Fawkes Day was replaced by a night of party, costumes, parades, and trick-or-treating. All because of the initiative Elizabeth Krebs in 1912.

She was determined to save her garden and entire town from being vandalized by masked marauders. Thus, turning All Hallows' Eve into the secular Halloween Day.

This is the story behind the origins of Halloween. Behind every mask, every scary story of witches, werewolves, and ghosts are the centuries old legends.

The costumes represent the fear of the spirits and a way to remember the dead loved ones. It's definitely a mark of hope over fear, the reason ancient Celts celebrated Samhain thousands of years ago.