Halloween evolved from the ancient Celtic harvest festival
of Samhain (SAH-win).. They celebrated the day marking the end of the harvest
season and the beginning of winter, the darker half of the year. This was also when the boundary between this
world and the Otherworld thinned and the souls of the dead roamed the streets
and villages during the night. And, while they sought to welcome the spirits of
family and loved ones, they recognized that not all were friendly. Places were set at the dinner table and by the
fire to welcome the unknown visitor. Offerings
of food and drink, or portions of crops, were left outside as gifts to pacify
the evil and ensure coming years’ crops would be plentiful.
As cultures changed, Samhain was replaced by All Hallows Eve
(ultimately Hallowe’en), a time dedicated to remembering the dead, including
saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed with prayers,
bonfires, and ultimately merry-making and games. By the 16th century, the festival
included mumming and disguises (to protect one’s self from evil spirits). People
would go door to door reciting verses or songs in exchange for food. If the household donated food it could expect
good fortune; not doing so would bring misfortune.
While Hallowe’en was recognized in colonial America, it was
not overly popular until the mass Irish and Scottish immigration in the late
1700 - early 1800’s. By the 20th
century, it was fully assimilated into mainstream society and celebrated by all
social, racial and religious backgrounds.
So, you see, there is a little bit of pagan in all of us.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
I love Halloween!
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