History of the Halloween Holiday
So where did the idea of Halloween come from?
Though there are numerous ideas of where Halloween came from, most historians can trace it back to Celtic times. Originally, this “frightening” holiday was known by the Celtic name of Samhain. The holiday was a festival where people would gather together to celebrate the dead. It was believed that their family and friends’ ghosts would actually interact with those still living. During the time of the festival then, the dead peoples’ souls were then finally set free to travel to the afterlife!
Some of the Samhain festival activities included the eating of candies, fruit, and drinking alcohol. Large burning bonfires would be setup to sacrifice animals on. In time, as Christianity spread and grew in popularity, Christians tried to change the mindset of the Celtic people. Moving from the more ritualistic festival to eventually become Halloween, or All Hallows Eve. It was celebrated (and still is) on the night of October 31st–the night before the celebration of All Saint’s Day. People started to recognize the saints of the Church to give them their respect with less focus on the souls of the dearly departed.
While Halloween has a storied history, it is still known as a day of celebrating the dead. People began to dress like spirits in order to lure the dead into town. They would wander the streets with small candles, wearing masks and going door to door to their neighbor’s homes, begging for food or trinkets. This is the origin of modern day trick or treating. Many European nations believed in fairies, ghosts, spirits, and demons, which is why these symbols are all still so popular during the Halloween holiday. The history of Halloween began as a sacred occasion honoring the spirits of those that had passed on to the afterlife, and today is seen in Western culture as more of a time of festivities and playful festivities celebrated with parties and the wearing of various Halloween costumes.
dedicated to all my friends.... :)
happy halloween to all of you ... specially Anii
So where did the idea of Halloween come from?
Though there are numerous ideas of where Halloween came from, most historians can trace it back to Celtic times. Originally, this “frightening” holiday was known by the Celtic name of Samhain. The holiday was a festival where people would gather together to celebrate the dead. It was believed that their family and friends’ ghosts would actually interact with those still living. During the time of the festival then, the dead peoples’ souls were then finally set free to travel to the afterlife!
Some of the Samhain festival activities included the eating of candies, fruit, and drinking alcohol. Large burning bonfires would be setup to sacrifice animals on. In time, as Christianity spread and grew in popularity, Christians tried to change the mindset of the Celtic people. Moving from the more ritualistic festival to eventually become Halloween, or All Hallows Eve. It was celebrated (and still is) on the night of October 31st–the night before the celebration of All Saint’s Day. People started to recognize the saints of the Church to give them their respect with less focus on the souls of the dearly departed.
While Halloween has a storied history, it is still known as a day of celebrating the dead. People began to dress like spirits in order to lure the dead into town. They would wander the streets with small candles, wearing masks and going door to door to their neighbor’s homes, begging for food or trinkets. This is the origin of modern day trick or treating. Many European nations believed in fairies, ghosts, spirits, and demons, which is why these symbols are all still so popular during the Halloween holiday. The history of Halloween began as a sacred occasion honoring the spirits of those that had passed on to the afterlife, and today is seen in Western culture as more of a time of festivities and playful festivities celebrated with parties and the wearing of various Halloween costumes.
dedicated to all my friends.... :)
happy halloween to all of you ... specially Anii
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