HALLOWEEN-A HOLIDAY FILLED WITH FUN
The Celtic New Year, Samhain, was observed on November 1. That was when the dark, cold winter season began. For three days they wore costumes consisting of animal heads and skins for parades. The festival included bonfires, and giving offerings of drink and food to costumed partygoers. The people believed that the dead wandered around during this time.
Once the Romans arrived in Europe and the British Isles, they contributed their customs. They observed Pomona Day to honor heir goddess of fruits and gardening around the same time as Samhain.
Eventually, these two holidays were combined. It became a ritual in which people dressed up as witches, ghosts, and goblins.
The final contribution came from the Catholics. In 837 C.E. Pope Gregory IV designated November 1 as All Saints Day to honor all saints. Now, this holiday is observed by Anglican, Lutheran, and Orthodox churches.
This Catholic holy day consisted of a vigil during the night before the feast, prayers, readings, and perhaps a sermon.
Latin Americans added their individual touches to this holy day. Throughout Mexico and Latin America, All Saints Day is observed on November 1 to honor dead infants and children, while All Souls Day on November 2nd honors dead adults. These events feature Catholic and pre-Columbian customs. They decorate their homes and graveyards with skulls, wreaths, flowers, and other traditional materials.
The word Halloween was originally derived from All Hallow Even, later shortened to All Hallow's Eve and Hallowe'en, and finally Halloween.
The pumpkin's role in Halloween didn't begin until the 1840's when Irish fleeing the potato famine arrived in North America. In Ireland, they made jack-o-lanterns from turnips. The basis for this was an old Irish folktale. Once they were in America, they chose an American vegetable-the pumpkin.
The custom of trick or treating originated in Europe. During medieval times on All Souls Day (November 2nd), people would walk through the villages begging for "soul cakes." These consisted of square-shaped pieces of bread containing currants. In return for receiving the 'soul cakes,' one would offer to say prayers on behalf of any dead relatives the donor might have. People believed that the souls of the dead were in limbo for a certain period after death. Prayers said on their behalf would help the souls reach heaven.
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