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The History of Halloween by: Delani Bauer

Halloween is celebrated globally on Oct. 31. 

It provides individuals of all ages the opportunity to dress up and partake in fall-themed activities.  Halloween has been reshaped greatly from its original form, but a lot of the traditions have remained.

Halloween originated in Europe by the Celtics.  It is often referred to around the globe as Hallows Eve.  Halloween began as a celebration of the annual season change from summer to winter.  Communities would gather around a campfire, dress up and eat sweet foods. 

Christians did not approve of this holiday.  Pope Gregory III deemed two new holidays to replace the Celtic rituals and merge Christianity into the Celtic way of life.  All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) to honor Christian martyrs and All Souls Day (Nov. 2) to honor the dead were put in place.  Despite the early church's efforts, Halloween was still celebrated.  Today, it is celebrated as a secular holiday.


Traditions then vs. Now


The original purpose of costumes was to scare off evil spirits.  The Celtics believed that the season change provided a thinner design between the spiritual and physical world.  While this barrier was decreased, the Celtics believed their ancestors may crossover to the physical world.  To protect their ancestors, the Celtics dressed as dangerous creatures.

Today, costumes are more lighthearted in nature.  Individuals dress according to certain themes or movie characters that they enjoy.  Costumes are mass-produced, easily available and do not possess specific spiritual purposes.

Trick-or-treating originated amongst the poor in Europe.  Low-class families would visit the wealthy to receive ‘soul cakes.’  The wealthy traded these cakes for prayers for their ancestors’ souls.

Today, children trick-or-treat for the fun of receiving candy.  People of all social classes trick-or-treat, and there is no exchange of prayer.   

Jack-o-lanterns originated in Ireland and Scotland.  People would carve turnips or potatoes with scary faces and light them with burning coals.  The vegetables were set outside their houses to ward off evil spirits.

The name jack-o-lantern comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America where pumpkins were plentiful. And the rest, as they say, is history. 

Jack-o-lanterns today are made from pumpkins.  Pumpkins have become a trademark of Halloween and are carved into many different forms.  Carved pumpkins are lit with candles and placed for everyone to enjoy.



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