The History of Halloween
By Jennifer Thompson
It is recognized by many that Halloween originated as a Pagan celebration. However, what is not acknowledged is that the original festival was a holy event. Over 2,000 years ago, in the area that is now Ireland, United Kingdom, and Northern France, the Celts’ New Year was realized on November 1. The festival held, called Samhaim marked the end of summer and the harvest, and the beginning of the long cold winter. This was also a time for gathering, for reunion; when communities would together build shelter for the winter and make laws. Stories were told, and this was a time that important battles were fought and fairies cast spells. Bonfires were burnt and feasts were had, including religious sacrifices, such as burning of fruits, nuts, and animals.
It was believed that during this transition of seasons the barriers between the dead and the living weren’t as defined, and on the night of October 31 the dead would walk the Earth. It was thought that these spirits had the ability to cause trouble and damage crops, but also that they held secrets about the future. Often costumes and masks were worn as to not be recognized by the dead, and also skins and furs of animals were worn during the bonfire ceremonies to enable the Celts to tell each other’s futures. This is where the tradition of the Halloween costume came from.
The act of trick-or-treating came from various old customs as well. During the time of Samhaim, food and wine were left out for the wandering spirits of the dead. Also, after the Christian faith had spread into the Celtic land around the 800’s, All Souls Day was declared by Pope Boniface IV and celebrated on November 1. Poor citizens would go door to door during the parade and beg for food. They were given Soul Cakes, pastries handed out to the poor by families in exchange for prayers for deceased relatives. The church encouraged this in lieu of the tradition of leaving food out for the spirits. This became known as "going a-souling."
Halloween has become a very profitable and popular holiday in the United States. The customs were established when immigrants came from England with beliefs about ghosts and witches, and more so from Scotland and Ireland with their Halloween traditions. German settlers brought ideas of witchcraft; Haitians and Africans brought voodoo superstition of black cats, and their ideas of fire and witchcraft as well. By the end of the 1800s, Halloween customs varied by region around the United States. In New Hampshire, barn dancers became tradition, and in the North Carolina mountains people listened for the future to be whispered in the wind. In Louisiana a midnight dumb supper was prepared, where no one was allowed to speak as they waited for a spirit to join them at the table. In New York a parade was held and fireworks were displayed.
Today, Halloween grosses an estimated 6.9 billion dollars in America, from the sale of costumes, cards, decorations and candy. Most homes are decorated with scarecrows, jack-o-lanterns, window decals, tombstones and other Halloween symbols.
By Jennifer Thompson, Contributing Writer.
Works cited:
Lesley P. Bannatyne, " Halloween ", World Book Online Reference Centre, http://www.worldbookonline.com/ar?/na/ar/co/ar243460.htm, August 17, 2003
"The History of Halloween" The History Channel Exhibits,
http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/halloween/hallowmas.html
Published in U S Legacies Magazine October 2003
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