What is the festival of Samhain, and how did it transform into the day now known as Halloween ? While the custom of going trick-or-treating, carving Jack O’ Lanterns, and bobbing for apples is a secular celebration, it was once connected to a traditional activity meant to celebrate the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture. Ancient pagans used this time in order to prepare for winter, taking in the needed supplies for the cold months.

Ancient Gaels thought that on October 31st the borders between the worlds of the living and the dead crossed over each other, allowing the dead to return to live and create havoc with the agricultural products, either damaging the crops or making them sick.

The festival of Samhain would usually involve a bonfire, which attracted insects, and, in turn, bats — perhaps a reason why bats are associated with the festivities. Masks and costumes were worn to mimic or appease evil spirits, thus preventing their attacks.

Eventually, this practice turned into “trick-or-treating,” an activity for children, who make their way from house to house in masks and Halloween costume wigs , asking for candy by using the phrase, “trick-or-treat.”

The custom began in Ireland and Scotland, and then came to North America along with Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 1800s. Within a few decades, the custom transferred to the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It’s also practiced in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

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1 Comment »

1. 

   Wow I didn’t know Halloween had such a history I always thought it was about dressing up and getting free candy kinda wondering if I should pass this history to my kids or just let them continue to assume its all about the candy.

   Comment by king — August 30, 2010 @ 7:30 am

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