The Origins of Halloween

Have you ever wondered where this holiday began? It seems like we've always had Halloween, but who knows what it really means? And thanks to Hollywood, we have many myths and legends surrounding it. We know that children dress up in costumes and go door to door, but where did we even get that idea?

Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve, had its beginnings in ancient times with the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). There are many myths and legends surrounding Halloween, from tales of the dead rising from their graves, to witches, goblins and other fantasy creatures running amok. Some believe that it is the most powerful day of the year. It is considered a time to honor those who have gone before, your ancestors, and give thanks that their spirits live on in such a manner. Those spirits that went on are considered to guide us throughout our lives, aiding us in seeking our destiny, divine spirit, path, whatever you wish to call it.

Samhain is also the Gaelic for November, usually November 1st. To put that in modern day language, All Saint's Day. But wait, you might ask, how does that relate to Halloween? Well, its simple really...many holidays/festivals were started at sundown the day before. Which means they technically to today's standpoint started on the eve of the holiday. Kind of like we do now. I know around here, as soon as the sun goes down and darkness falls, that is when we all go out en masse to "trick or treat."

It is also considered the beginning of the new year with many pagans, as it is the natural turning point of the year. Also called Celtic New Year. This is the time where Mother Nature herself goes to sleep, and the cycle of life begins anew.

Costumes are believed to have started due to humanity needing to feel protected from those who walked on Halloween night, in a crude attempt to mimic or placate. Others believed that the costumes would ward off evil spirits by hiding their true nature, that it allowed them to blend in. Jack-o-lanterns, or the carved pumpkins everyone sees this time of year, is also said to ward off the evil spirits.

Halloween wasn't a celebrated holiday here in the US until the 19th century, when the droves of Irish fleeing the Potato Famine reached our shores. They brought their customs and traditions with them, and the US welcomed them. The turn of the 20th century is what brought us our modern day Halloween, where kids focus more on the "trick" then the "treat". commercialization also happened around this time, bringing with it mass candy and decoration markets. But it also brought us Halloween parades.

There is a wealth of information out there, from the obscure to the commonplace, if only you look for it. There are many legends, myths, folklore and tales that surround Halloween. I'm sure you can think of a few right off the top of your head. Hocus Pocus, a Disney movie, is one I can think of quick. Those ideas all had to come from somewhere, but where?