Description

The True History of Halloween

Table of Contents

Brief Introduction

When you think of Halloween, what springs to mind? For most of us in America, Halloween night is a time of fun and frolic for both young and old alike.

The Ancient Roots of Halloween

Around 2,000 years ago in the North Eastern region of Europe centralized around the areas of Ireland, the UK, and Northern France, a group of people known as the Celts held sacred religious rituals on the night of October 31st to celebrate the upcoming new year on November 1st. This celebration was known as Samhain, which is pronounced like “sow in”, and is a word that means “Summer’s End”.

Bringing Halloween To America

When the first settlers came to America, they left many old traditions and celebrations from the old world behind, including that of Halloween. Many puritans believed it was a pianistic holiday and had no place in the development of their new life.

Early Halloween Celebration Customs

When colonial Americans first began participating in Halloween celebrations they would conduct something known as “play parties”. These parties were held as public events in celebration of harvesting crops

Today’s Halloween Customs

Many of the customs we practice to celebrate Halloween today have deep seeded roots in the traditions of ancient times.

Conclusion

Halloween has come a long way from where it began many years ago. Whether you love it or despise it, Halloween is the second largest commercial holiday celebrated across America today. And it looks like this ancient tradition isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.