Halloween History:
Halloween Night ~ October 31st
Halloween originated as the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The holiday spread to Europe and eventually to the United States.
Origins
The Celts believed that on Samhain, the spirits of the dead could return to Earth. To ward off evil spirits, they would light bonfires, wear costumes, and tell fortunes. The Christian festival of All Saints' Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The night before All Saints' Day became All Hallows' Eve, which eventually became Halloween.
American Traditions
- The Irish and other European immigrants brought their Halloween customs to the United States.
- The "trick-or-treat" tradition combined Irish and English traditions.
- The custom of carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns is relatively new.
Other Halloween Traditions:
- The use of skulls, a reference to Golgotha in the Christian tradition.
- The use of black cats, which have been long associated with witches.
- The use of black, orange, and sometimes purple.
- The use of elements of the autumn season, such as pumpkins, corn husks, and scarecrows.