Oct 07, 2024
Ancient Celtic Festival:
Halloween traces back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter.
Ward Off Spirits:
Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, so they lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts.
Christian Influence:
Halloween got its name from "All Hallows' Eve," the evening before All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs.
Immigrant Influence:
Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to North America in the 19th century.
Trick-or-Treating:
This tradition evolved from "souling," where the poor went door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food.
Jack-o'-Lanterns:
Carved pumpkins with candles inside were used to scare away evil spirits.
Modern Festivities:
Today, Halloween is celebrated with costumes, parties, haunted houses, and horror films.
Community Spirit:
It’s a time for neighbors to come together, share treats, and enjoy themed decorations and activities.