halloween history
Common Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, wearing costumes and attending costume parties, carving jack-o’-lanterns, ghost tours, bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, committing pranks, telling ghost stories or other frightening tales, and watching horror films. [1]
The harvest was gathered in to protect against the wintry blast of the faeries’ breath, and Samhain was an occasion for thanksgiving, sacrifices, divination and prayers. [2]
During Samhain, the Druids believed that the dead would play tricks on mankind and cause panic and destruction. [3]
Contrary to what one might think, this 3,000-year-old Aztec holiday is actually a joyous celebration. [2]
Halloween (or Hallowe’en) is an annual holiday observed on October 31, primarily in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. [1]
The Real Origins of Halloween discusses the history of Halloween, the origins of trick-or-treating, reasons behind some of the symbols of the season, and why the holiday is well worth keeping and celebrating. [4]
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes. [5]
Children and adults alike enjoy this holiday today, with funny costumes, candy, and parties, while some countries observe this time as a remembrance of departed loved ones and religious saints. [6]
These are additional attributes of the history of Halloween. [7]
The Celtic holiday of Samhain, the Catholic Hallowmas period of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day and the Roman festival of Feralia all influenced the modern holiday of Halloween. [5]
The history of halloween and fun pumpkin facts! [3]
They believed the night before the New Year, that the wall between the living and the dead was open, allowing spirits of the dead, both good and bad, to mingle among the living. [6]
Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting “haunted houses” and carving jack-o-lanterns. [7]
Come and plunge into the halloween history to unfurl yourself the age-old veil of mysticism draped around it. [8]
In Mexico, Latin America, and Spain, All Souls’ Day, the third day of the three-day Hallowmas observance, is the most important part of the celebration for many people. [3]
Sources:
[1] Halloween - Wikipedia
[2] Halloween: Definition from Answers.com
[3] Halloween History Customs Origins and Facts
[4] The Real Origins of Halloween
[5] Halloween ‘ History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts
[6] The History of Halloween
[7] History of Halloween - Halloween History
[8] History of Halloween - Holiday Spot