Origins of Halloween

The origins of Halloween go back in time to the Druid society. A society made up of Celtic warriors, priests, soothsayers, healers, and farmers. Such is the speculation for no one really knows. According to The Skeptics Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll, there have been several writers from the Roman culture that have espoused terms as pagan believers, bards, and philosophers in reference to the "Druids.".

Who exactly were the druids? They were the more intelligent lot of the Celtic society. Or should I say the more insightful on human nature. They understood seasons, the rhythm and patterns of life, and the ebb of human existence.

In such the ritual of Halloween originated from the waning of fall and the coming of winter. Known to the Celts as Samhein pronounced sow-en. History.com. This celebration was also known as a fire festival. Fire gave them life, divinity, and truth. Did not fire warm their hearths and cook their meat? Fire was also there source for razing the harvest fields for the crops to be planted in the spring. Bonfires were lit on the eve of the full moon. We know this today as the autumn equinox and winter solstice. Therefore we can make the assumption the festival would typically fall on or near the end of October.

Ok, now I will get on with my surmise on the origins of Halloween. Samhein festival occurred every fall during the full moon and it was believed this time was in between the realms of the dead and the living. Thus, the dead could walk the lands and the living could communicate with the deceased. Animal heads and animal hides would be worn as costumes to keep the spirit and restless souls away. History.com. Dancing around the large fires was a ritual to celebrate the kindred spirits as well. A moment when all could be uninhibited by the daily routines and burdens of life. The Druids would facilitate the haze of unrequited fantasy. They knew human nature needed an outlet for their strife and grief. The ranking intellectuals of the Celtic society known as the Druids were the first of civilization to recognize the souls of the living and the spirits of the dead.

As to the trick or treating portion of Halloween, I believe the ritual came from the poor crofter children in search of food. The dark ages was tempered with death, hunger, and disease. The children were allowed on that particular holiday to breech the ranks of society and ask for morsels of food. The liege lairds and knights who held castles, demesnes, and manors would share their delicious breads and mincemeats as well as fruit from the harvest. The children would not go hungry that night of "hallowed eve."

Perhaps the dead would come back to haunt the Lairds or Lords that protected their vassals if they did not recognize the hungry faces behind the masks of spirits. The dead roamed the crags and moors and needed to be placated. Many children were orphans thereby the grieving parents could come to haunt the living on this particular night. And so treats were given to the children.

Later, Christianity turned the festival into a celebration of the saints as well. All hallowed meaning all holy evolved from Samhein to Halloween. Today the children dress in all sorts of costumes not just of saints, but also of angels, and demons and still go door to door for goodies. And every Halloween we feel it in the air. That time in between when there is no now or tomorrow.

One can sense eeriness and the mantle of darkness descend for the next four months until Beltaine or spring whispers over the hither lands when new beginnings of hope and a sense of well being rise from the tussocky earth.

Tera Lyn
Origins of Halloween
Associated Content, credits to skep.dic.com, history.com, wikipedia.com