If you’re not from an English speaking country, the idea of dressing up as a ghost, witch, or monster and putting a candle in a pumpkin might seem a little bit weird. You might be wondering how Halloween came about and why it’s so popular?
Don’t worry, we’re here to explain the origins of Halloween and provide you with information for your first Halloween celebration!
What is the meaning of Halloween?
The holiday is celebrated in many English-speaking countries and occurs every year on the 31st October. Activities take place, such as trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, dressing up in scary costumes and eating sweets and chocolate.
What are the origins of Halloween?
Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a festivity that marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The holiday was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Mann and Wales at the end of autumn and was considered a transitional time between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. During which, it was believed to be easier for spirits to enter into the world of the living.
As Scottish and Irish people migrated to North America, they brought the traditions of Samhain, where the festival grew in popularity and gave birth to the Halloween we know today.
Where is Halloween celebrated?
Halloween is celebrated in much of Western Europe and is most popular in the United Kingdom and North America. Similar celebrations are held around the Halloween period too, such as the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos.
What does ‘trick or treat’ mean?
Trick or treating is an important tradition where children dress up in scary costumes and go from house to house asking their neighbours for ‘treats’ which usually means sweets. ‘Tricks’ are said as a threat if no ‘treat’ is given. However, tricks are uncommon as people will decorate the outside of their homes to signify that they have treats to give.
Where did ‘trick or treating’ originate?
This tradition originates from the 16th century where dressing up in costumes formed part of Samhain and was known as ‘mumming’ or ‘guising.’ There are accounts dating back to the 19th century of people going house to house in costume at Halloween, reciting verses in exchange for food and sometimes warn of misfortune if they were not welcomed.
Popular Halloween Activities
Pumpkin Carving
You may have heard the term ‘jack-o’-lanterns’, a term common in North America, to describe carved pumpkins. It is a popular part of Halloween and people will even have competitions for the most original lantern design. This tradition dates back to Celtic times, when Irish and Scottish people would carve turnips as offerings for spirits for the festival of Samhain. However, when they settled in the US they used pumpkins as they were more commonly found there.
Fancy Dress Parties
Even if you’re not going trick or treating, dressing up in scary costumes for a party is a common part of the holiday. Nowadays, people may dress up as television characters, celebrities and even politicians as well as ghosts and spirits.
Watching Scary Movies
Many people will use Halloween as an opportunity to watch horror movies. Producers of scary movies will often choose Halloween as their release date and cinemas will often screen vintage horror films throughout the month of October.
Apple Bobbing
A typical activity at this time is apple bobbing. Apple bobbing is a game in which apples are floating in water and people have to retrieve them with their mouths.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Halloween.
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