Halloween: History and Traditions

Every year Halloween is celebrated on the 31^st of October. The origins of Halloween can be traced all the way back to the 5th century BC.

The celebration was originally adopted by the Romans in the first century AD. Two different Roman traditions that took place in October became a single holiday. The practice of dressing up a costume began a more ceremonial role as the belief in spirit possession lessened.

In the United States, Halloween was introduced by European immigrants in the 1840's. The immigrants brought with them an assortment of holiday traditions and customs. Due to rigid religious beliefs during this time period, the act of celebrating Halloween was greatly restricted.

The distinct American version of Halloween has its origins in the separate beliefs and customs amongst many different European ethnic groups and the American Indians which leads to the history of the act of trick or treating. To kick off the early celebrations were public events that celebrated the harvest. Neighbors would often gather and share tales of the dead, reiterate ghost stories, and enlighten each other with fortunes.

The Irish immigrants to the United States began the popularization of the celebration nationally. The traditions of the Irish and English led to trick or treating. People would go house to house asking for food or money. Know today everyone knows this practice as trick or treating.

This celebration has since evolved and is practiced my mostly children and kids. It is a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy life and have fun. This has led to a community of trick or treaters and candy sales becoming popular in October. Families will not purchase candy and perhaps even other more unusual items such as Carmel apples. Some people will even give out money or expensive candy bars.

Halloween is today no longer restricted to children and is celebrated by adults as well. It has since become the second largest commercial holiday in the United States. Parties are often thrown with Halloween themed dress up and people take their costumes seriously in efforts to impress coworkers, friends, and peers.

Many people also take to decorating their homes. It is common to see pumpkins carved, hay, straw, spider webs, strobe lights, and scary masks. People will often even try to scare others who are trick or treating at their home. Men, women, and children are today participating in attending costume parties, leading parades, and wearing disguises to both school and work. Haunted houses have also become largely popular where people walk through the dark and try to not get too scared and freaked out.

Like all holidays Halloween is one to be enjoyed but should not be taken too lightly. Candy could potentially be harmful and must be inspected before giving to children. In addition parents need to follow their children while they are trick or treating. It is also essential to take the time to dress up for Halloween. Many people do not take too kindly to trick or treaters who do not wear a costume.