Halloween is one of the oldest traditions in the world, related to the connection between the living and the dead. All recorded civilizations have created rituals about what happens after death and how the living should honor the deceased.
Today, various cultures celebrate this holiday, from the Day of the Dead in Mexico to the Day of Cleaning Tombs in China. In the United States and Canada, where Halloween is most popular, the celebration dates back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, although it has evolved over time.
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Why is it celebrated on October 31?
The celebration of Halloween takes place on October 31, a date that corresponds to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when it was believed that the boundary between this world and the hereafter was especially thin, facilitating connection with the dead. This belief is similar to that of the Jewish Yom Kippur, which also occurs in October and involves prayers for the dead.
The ancient pagan rituals of Samhain included ceremonies to connect with spirits, where the Celts celebrated with rudimentary costumes and festivities.
Over time, the influence of Christianity transformed the celebration, turning the connection with the dead into more playful activities, such as fortune games. For example, the game of “apple biting” became popular as a way of divining the future of love.
The history of Halloween shows that, although some believe it originated in Druid festivals, other experts argue that its evolution in the United States occurred with the arrival of Irish immigrants in the 19th century, who brought their traditions, including the celebration of All Saints’ Day. The night before, vigils were held for souls trapped in purgatory, which eventually became Halloween.
The origin of the term Halloween
The term “Halloween” comes from the combination of the Scottish words “hallow” (holy) and “een” (night), meaning “holy night“. This designation began to be used around 1773 and was popularised by the Scottish poet Robert Burns in his poem “Halloween“.
Traditions and current events of Halloween
As for traditions such as “trick-or-treating“, originally, Halloween was a night dedicated to mischief.
In the 1930s, damage and vandalism led many cities to consider banning the celebration. However, a Canadian tradition was adopted: offering sweetsto prevent children from playing pranks, which gave rise to the current ritual of trick-or-treating.
Finally, the use of costumes at Halloween is a relatively modern custom, although some associate it with the Celts. In fact, it may be linked to an ancient Christmas tradition called “belsnickeling“, where children in disguise performed in exchange for treats. Thus, Halloween combines ancient elements with modern practices, creating a unique holiday rich in history.