Do you know the history of Halloween?

         

Written by Bret K.

          We all know what the day of October 31st is.  This is the day we celebrate a holiday called Halloween.  We all know that Halloween is a day for dressing up and eating candy.  Do you know the history of Halloween?

          Irish and Scottish immigrants brought about different versions of the tradition to the United States in the 19th century.  Some western countries established the holiday in the late 20th century.  Some western countries established the holiday in the late 20th century including Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

          The Celtic festival Samhain is where Halloween originated.  Samhain was celebrated at the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture.  This festival was a time utilized by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and get ready for the winter.  On October 31st, the ancient Gaels believed the boundaries between the living and the dead overlapped and the dead would come back to life and cause trouble like sickness or damaged crops. 

          Bonfires were very frequent at the festivals.  This was because the Gaels believed bats would be attracted to the area since insects were attracted to the fire.  Items like masks and costumes were worn to the festivals also to try to copy the evil spirits or appease them.  Children would go from house to house in costumes asking for treats with the question, "Trick or Treat?"  The "treat" part meant that children wanted to receive candy by the people living at the house.  The "trick" part meant that a threat would be made by the children to play a trick if no candy was received.  Worldwide, Halloween has become socially expected to hand out candy to children that night.

          Halloween is a night mainly for children.  Halloween is not just about costumes and candy but there is also some history behind it.  What do you do in preparation for fall?  I hope you all have a fun Halloween this year and receive many treats and no tricks!