Halloween History

Ages ago, the Celtic farmers believed that there was a day a year when the season of life met the season of death, when their evil spirits rose from their graves and walked amongst the living. It was Celtic Ireland BC, and that day was called Samhain (Celtic word for “summer’s end”), celebrated on October 31^st.

The Celts used to lit huge bonfires and disguise themselves to confuse evil spirits. They were afraid of them.

In the 8^th century, in order to distract Celts from their pagan practices, Pope Gregory 3^rd, established All Hallow’s day, a day honoring all Saints, on November the 1^st. Soon Samhain became All Hallow’s eve. Later known as “Halloween.”

This hidden holiday continued till the mid 19^th century, when the potato famine drove millions of starving Irish and their folklore into America. In America, their traditions began to change. The bonfires became Jack-o-lanterns and the Celts demoniac disguises to frighten spirits away became the famous Halloween costumes. The origin of “Trick or treat” remains unclear.

During the 20^th century, Halloween became one of the most profitable holidays on the American calendar. Today, people decorate their homes, they give costume parties, children wear costumes and knock at their neighbors’ doors saying: “trick or treat,” others enjoy reading ghost stories for Halloween. It is a secular commercial festival today!

To read more about Halloween:

http://www.castleofspirits.com/halloween.html

http://www.whatishalloween.com/

Do you wanna read ghost stories? Try these sites:

http://www.halloweenishere.com/ghost_stories.html

http://www.halloween-website.com/scary_stories.htm

What do you think about this holiday? Do you have a ghost story to share??? Leave a comment!