What is All Hallows Eve/Halloween?
All Hallows’ Eve, also known as Halloween, is a fun and spooky holiday celebrated on October 31st each year. It has ancient roots and is believed to have originated from various traditions, blending together over time.
The history of Halloween can be traced back to ancient Celtic festivals. It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when the boundary between the living and the spirit world was believed to be thin. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming spirits.
When Christianity spread, November 1st became All Saints’ Day, a day to honour saints and martyrs. The night before All Saints’ Day came to be known as All Hallows’ Eve, eventually shortened to Halloween. Some of the ancient Celtic traditions blended with Christian customs, forming the basis for Halloween as we know it today.
Halloween is now celebrated with various traditions and activities. People dress up in costumes, often portraying characters from spooky tales, movies or their imaginations. Many children go door-to-door saying “trick or treat,” hoping to receive candies or treats from their neighbours. This practice is a modern-day version of an old tradition called “souling,” where people would go from house to house, asking for soul cakes in exchange for prayers for the dead.
Pumpkins also became a symbol of Halloween, thanks to the Irish legend of “Stingy Jack.” According to the tale, Jack played tricks on the devil and was neither allowed into heaven nor hell when he died. He was doomed to wander the earth, carrying a lantern made from a carved turnip to light his way. People later began carving pumpkins, known as Jack-o’-lanterns, to ward off evil spirits and remember this legend.
Halloween is a time for playful scares and imaginative fun. It’s a day when people of all ages come together to enjoy spooky decorations, costumes, and treats. It’s a chance to let our creativity shine and embrace the spooky side of life while honouring the rich history and traditions that have shaped this unique and festive holiday.
Overall, Halloween is a day of playful frights and sweet delights. It’s a time to celebrate imagination, creativity, and community as people of all ages come together to enjoy the thrill of this spooktacular holiday!