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Halloween is a day filled with activities such as trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, hosting parties and wearing creative costumes.
Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31 and has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. During this time, people would light bonfires and dress in costumes to keep ghosts away. Although it started as a religious event, Halloween later became more about fun. Now, it is a day filled with exciting activities such as trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, hosting parties and wearing creative costumes.
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Let’s explore the fascinating origins and history, along with interesting facts and ways to celebrate this spooky holiday.
Origin and history
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III chose November 1 as a day to honour all saints. This was connected to the traditions of the Celts, who inhabited areas now known as Ireland, the UK and northern France.
The Celts observed this day to mark the end of summer and the beginning of winter. They believed that on October 31, the line between the living and the dead became unclear.
During this time, people made sacred bonfires where they gathered to offer crops and animals as sacrifices to their gods. The Celts wore costumes made from animal heads and skins. After the celebration, they would use the fires from the sacred bonfire to ensure their homes stayed safe and warm throughout the winter.
Facts
- In the 18th century, a unique tradition known as “husband hunting” became popular. Women used clever methods, such as lighting candles in front of a mirror in a dark room or throwing apple peels over their shoulders, to reveal clues about their future love.
- The colours of Halloween, black and orange, have special meanings. Black represents the end of summer, while orange symbolises the autumn harvest.
- Every 19 years, Halloween coincides with the full moon, making the celebration even more magical and spooky.
- It is believed that Halloween is older than Christianity, originating from the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. During this time, people in Ireland, the UK and northern France lit bonfires and wore costumes to scare away spirits.
- Initially, the Irish and Scottish carved turnips, but, when they moved to the US, they found that pumpkins were much easier to carve.
How to celebrate
- During trick-or-treating, children visit homes, ring the doorbell, and shout, “Trick or treat.” Homeowners reward their spooky visitors with candy and admire their creative costumes.
- While Halloween is often known for being spooky, not all costumes have to be frightening. Many choose to wear matching outfits. Although buying costumes from stores is common, it can be fun to create your own unique look.
- Halloween parties are a popular way to celebrate by decorating homes and inviting friends and family. During these gatherings, people enjoy eerie music, scary stories, watch horror films and even play games like the Ouija board.
- A few days before Halloween, people buy pumpkins and carving kits. Pumpkin carving events are a great way to show your creativity.
- For a budget-friendly Halloween celebration, families and friends come together to prepare a special Halloween dinner.