Have you ever wondered why we dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and go trick-or-treating every October 31?
Halloween is a fun and spooky holiday, but its history is hundreds of years old. Let’s take a trip back in time to discover where it all began.
🕯 Ancient Beginnings: Samhain
Halloween started with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). The Celts lived in what is now Ireland, the UK, and northern France.
They celebrated Samhain on October 31, the night before their New Year, which was November 1.
The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead became thin. Spirits could return to the world, so people lit big bonfires and wore animal skins and masks to scare them away. It was a night of both fear and celebration.
✝ The Church Adopts the Holiday
Later, when Christianity spread across Europe, the Church tried to replace Samhain with All Saints’ Day (also called All Hallows’ Day), celebrated on November 1.
The night before became All Hallows’ Eve, which slowly changed into the word Halloween.
Even though the Church gave the holiday a new name, many old traditions continued, such as lighting fires and dressing in costumes. Halloween became a mix of pagan and Christian customs.
🎭 From Europe to America
European immigrants, especially the Irish, brought Halloween to North America in the 1800s.
In the beginning, Halloween was more about telling ghost stories, playing tricks, and gathering with friends. Over time, it became a community event with parties, games, and parades.
🍬 Modern Traditions: Pumpkins and Candy
The tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns began with turnips in Ireland. When immigrants arrived in America, they discovered pumpkins, which were bigger and easier to carve. That’s why we use pumpkins today.
Trick-or-treating started in the early 20th century. Children went from house to house, asking for candy instead of playing tricks. Today, it’s one of the most loved Halloween activities around the world.
🌍 Halloween Today
Halloween is now celebrated in many countries. People decorate their homes, wear creative costumes, watch scary movies, and eat lots of sweets.
Even though the holiday has changed over time, it still keeps its magical mix of fear and fun—just like it did hundreds of years ago.
📝 Key Vocabulary
- Celtic – related to the ancient people of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
- Boundary – a line that separates two things
- Bonfire – a large outdoor fire
- Pagan – related to ancient religions that are not part of Christianity
- Immigrants – people who move to a new country
- Tradition – a custom or practice passed down through time
📢 Call to Action
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