Halloween – Its History and Origin
Halloween is one of the most awaited and celebrated holiday for the Christians and it comes just second in popularity to Christmas.
Millions of people indulge in celebrating, treating and merry making in the festive season, but very few are aware of the history and the true origins of Halloween.
The facts and legends about Halloween are as interesting and captivating as the holiday is itself.
If you love the holiday season and fun that Halloween brings along with it, then it is necessary that you understand the true and real origins of the occasion.
The original history of this festive occasion traces its roots on the 31st of October, which is known as Celtic calendar's last day. Originally, it was celebrated as a pagan holiday with the purpose of honoring the dead.
Halloween is actually referred to as “All Hallows Eve”, and it has a rich history which dates back to more than 2000 years. All Hallows Eve is the evening just before All Saints Day and it is celebrated by Christians throughout the world to mark the conversion of pagans.
It is celebrated on the 1st of November, because the Catholic Church made the honor to the saints on this day.
Tracing the origin of Halloween:
Since the time, when Halloween started being celebrated, there have been several versions regarding the origin and the old customs of the festive occasion.
Halloween is viewed differently by the diverse cultures, but the basic fundamental tradition and customs remain unchanged.
The culture of Halloween can be rooted back to the Druids, a popular Celtic culture of regions like Britain, Ireland, and Northern Europe. Its roots lay in feast of Samhain, which was celebrated annually to honor those who are dead.
The Samhain actually signifies the end of summer, or November. Samhain was celebrated as the harvest festival, with several huge sacred bonfires, which marked the end of Celtic year and the beginning of another one. There were many practices involved in the Samhain celebration, based on superstition.
The Celts had the belief that the souls of those who are dead wandered along the streets and villages after the sunset. Since, several spirits were considered to be friendly, treats and gifts were left out to calm the evil ones.
This was done to ensure that the crops in the coming year would be in abundance. This custom later evolved into trunk-or-treating.