Halloween is one of those nights of the year that many people look forward to. It’s the perfect time to bring out our creative side, play dress-up and give ourselves a few scares. But have you ever wondered where all these traditions come from? Let’s take a trip back in time to discover the origins of Halloween!
Where does Halloween come from?
The history of Halloween begins about 2,000 years ago in what we know today as Ireland and parts of Scotland and England. There, the ancient Celts celebrated the festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), which marked the end of summer and the arrival of winter. This date, the night of October 31 to November 1, was very special to them, as they believed that the boundaries between the world of the living and the world of the dead were blurred, allowing spirits to return to Earth. To protect themselves from evil spirits, the Celts would light bonfires and wear masks and costumes to ward off unwelcome creatures.
Over time, and after the arrival of Christianity, the Samhain festival began to merge with the Christian celebrations of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2), becoming a time to remember the deceased and ask for protection for the coming year. This is how the basis of what we know today as Halloween was born.
Why pumpkins?
The tradition of carving pumpkins has a curious origin and dates back to the Irish legend of Jack O’Lantern. As the story goes, Jack was a man so tricky that he managed to fool the devil, but then couldn’t get into either heaven or hell when he died. Doomed to wander for eternity, Jack had only a lantern made from a hollowed out turnip and an ember inside to light his way.
When Irish immigrants came to America in the 19th century, they discovered that pumpkins were easier to carve than turnips, and much bigger! Thus was born the tradition of carved pumpkins decorated with spooky faces that we place on our doorsteps to ward off spirits and Jack, of course.
And where does trick-or-treating come from?
The custom of trick-or-treating has its roots in the Middle Ages. At that time, children and the poor went from house to house offering prayers in exchange for food or candy in what was called souling (or “begging for souls”). When this tradition came to the United States, children began dressing up in costumes and asking for candy, but with a twist: if they didn’t get treats, they threatened to get into a little mischief, so you might as well give them something!
Today, trick-or-treating is a favorite Halloween activity for kids, and while the pranks are a thing of the past, the thrill of getting candy is still the same.
Witches and other mysterious beings
Witches, ghosts and other dark characters are also part of Halloween thanks to ancient Celtic beliefs. Because the Celts believed that spirits walked among us that night, they believed it was possible to encounter witches and magical beings. Over time, Halloween became a celebration of the “supernatural,” and these characters became icons of the holiday.
Incidentally, the symbol of the witches’ broomstick comes from the idea that witches flew to move between the world of the living and the world of the dead. It became such a popular image that today we can’t think of Halloween without imagining a witch on her broomstick.
Halloween around the world
Today, Halloween is celebrated in many, many countries, each with its own unique touches. In Mexico, for example, the Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 and 2, an event full of color and symbolism that pays homage to loved ones who are no longer with us. In Japan, Halloween has become a holiday mostly about costumes and parades, while in some European countries, such as France, the celebration has begun to gain popularity in recent years.
Halloween has become a blend of traditions and cultures that have evolved over time. Whether we celebrate with costumes, candy, scary decorations or just watching a good horror movie, this night is an opportunity to connect with mystery, fun and a touch of fear.
Interesting, isn’t it? Now that you know a little more about the origin of Halloween, I hope you enjoy the celebration with a little more magic!
