history of halloween
History of Halloween, like any other festival’s history is inspired through traditions that have transpired through ages from one generation to another. [1]
These are additional attributes of the history of Halloween. [2]
They would then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes (similar to today’s Halloween costumes), and noisily parade around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess. [3]
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes. [4]
Get the facts on Halloween 2011 and Halloween history, this year’s most popular costumes, record-breaking pumpkins, and more in National Geographic News’s Halloween roundup. [5]
It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. [3]
Despite this connection with the Roman Church, the American version of Halloween Day celebration owes its origin to the ancient (pre-Christian) Druidic fire festival called “Samhain”, celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. [...] Behind the name… Halloween, or the Hallow E’en as they call it in Ireland, means All Hallows Eve, or the night before the ‘All Hallows’, also called ‘All Hallowmas’, or ‘All Saints’, or ‘All Souls’ Day, observed on November 1. [1]
In the seventh century Pope Boniface IV decreed November 1 All Saints’ Day, or All Hallows’ Day. [5]
In recent years the American inspired (and US media driven) commercialisation of this date (previously marked in the UK by children carving lanterns in turnips or swedes and little else - pumpkins being scarce) has resulted in the importing of US traditions such as “trick-or-treating “, costume parties, and carving lanterns from real pumpkins which are now cultivated specially for this purpose. [6]
As the two religions began to mix much of the traditions of Samhain, such as dressing up in costumes and dancing around the fire, became one with All Hallows Eve to create Halloween. [...] When Roman tradition mixed with Celtic tradition, so did their festivals. [7]
Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting “haunted houses” and carving jack-o-lanterns. [2]
While many of the traditions of making jack ‘o’ lanterns, and giving out treats do come from the old European holiday known as Samhain, (pronounced SOW-ain), the origins of Halloween are very different from what we celebrate today. [7]
It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. [4]
Sources:
[1] History of Halloween - TheHolidaySpot: Holidays and Festivals …
[2] History of Halloween - Halloween History
[3] Halloween - The History, Traditions, and Customs of Halloween
[4] Halloween ‘ History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts
[5] Halloween 2011: Top Costumes, History, Myths, More
[6] Halloween - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[7] Halloween - The History and Origins