Halloween, October 31, originated around 5th Century BC. It was known as the day before All Hallows Day, or all Saints Day, in honor of all Saints. It was also known as the night before Samhain, a.k.a. “November”, which was the beginning of the new Celtic year.

According to some myths, November 1st was also known as the Day of the Dead, where disembodied spirits of those who had passed the previous year would search for living bodies to possess for the next year. Supposedly, this was the only way to experience the afterlife.

In fear of actually being possessed, people darkened their homes and dressed in ghoulish or unsavory costumes, parading around the neighborhood, to deter or frighten away the spirits.

Other myths state that Halloween was not a night where the spirits searched for living bodies to possess, but a time where the division between the world of the living and the dead came together so all could walk freely on the earth. The living would dress up in ghoulish costumes so they could blend in.

It was around the 9th century when the custom of trick or treating began by people going house to house for “soul cakes”. The more soul cakes one acquired, the more prayers he promised to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. It was believed the dead were in limbo unless someone, even a stranger, said a prayer for them to advance them to heaven.

Not all Halloween celebrations are centered around the dead, however. In Scotland children were known to go house to house and perform a certain trick, or some sort of entertainment. If the performance was enjoyed they would receive goodies of some sort for their accomplishment.

And what about Jack-o-Lanterns? According to Irish folklore, “Jack” was known as a drunken swindler and a fraud. One day he played a trick on the Devil by convincing him to climb a tree. Meanwhile Jack carved a cross at the base of the tree. Jack made a deal with the Devil, saying he would let him down if he were promised never to be tempted again.

Years later Jack died, but his soul was neither sent to Heaven due to his trickery and selfishness, nor Hell due to slander against the Devil. The Devil gave Jack a single glowing coal inside a hollowed turnip to light his way through the endless darkness. The tradition continues, but instead of a turnip, the pumpkin was more plentiful and utilized more creatively.

There are many who believe Halloween is a holiday where only evil will ensue, but really, it was simply a celebration of the Harvest year, as well as an act to honor loved ones who had passed on.

It is a holiday that is now celebrated throughout the world in a lighter tradition with creative costumes, frightening fun festivities and tantalizing treats. If anything, Halloween is a great excuse to go out and have some fun... and be a little kid again (that is - if you ever grew up to begin with!).

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Anonymous   |2007-10-03 22:57:06 I WAS BORN 3 DAYS BEFORE HALLOWEEN! Reply 0   0

Anonymous   |2007-10-03 13:56:41 Happy Halloween[smiley=evil][smiley=laugh] Reply 0   0

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