Halloween Origins...
Halloween origins are explored as one of the world's oldest
holidays which is celebrated in the United States every year on
October 31st. There are many explanations revolving around how
Halloween had its' origins. Many of these ideas incorporate the
Catholic Church?s religious holiday that became around the 8th
Century of All Saints Day (November 1st). and the ancient Celtic
Festival of Samhain.
The Christian holiday centered around a mass which was
celebrated on this special day. It was called Allhallowmas -- the
mass of all Hallows (saintly people). The night before this day
was called All Hallows Eve, which eventually became known as the
day we know as Halloween.
The Celts lived around 2,000 years ago. They inhabited the area
that is now known as Ireland, Northern France and the United
Kingdom. They celebrated their new year on November 1st. This
day commemorated the end of Summer and the beginning of the
long, dark Winter ahead. It was Celtic belief that the time
between Summer and Winter was conducive for the evil
supernatural forces of the afterlife world as well as ghosts and
spirits to become active in our time dimension. They were
believed to be free to wander where ever they wished on this
night.
The Celtic priests were called Druids. During the festival of
Samhain, it was believed that the presence of other world beings
made it easier for the Druids to fortell the future. The Druids
also carried out rituals outside in the open air. They would offer
up sacrifices to their gods so that the sun would return after the
long Winter ahead. The bonfire upon which these sacrifices were
burned represented the sun. All fires in individual homes were
extinguished on this night and relit from the Druid?s bonfire
(bone fire).
The Celt's believed that he spirits of folks who had died
previously roamed the earth this night to possess living bodies
for the next year. Therefore, in an effort to discourage the
spirits from taking their body, they would dress in a scary
fashion and parade around the streets. They wanted to frighten
off the demons who abounded. Thus, the harbinger of our
Halloween costumes.
By reviewing Halloween origins through history, we can see that
October 31st which was once a superstitious and frightening
night, is now celebrated with Trick or Treating, Halloween
parties, Fall Festivals and fun for all ages.
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