Posted on 2024-04-25

Halloween History

October 31st is nearly here, and soon the streets will be filled with children eager to get their share of the free-flowing candy and other prizes handed out across the country. Year after year, trick-or-treaters dress up and take pail in hand to walk from house to house demanding a treat from those who answer the door. But have you ever wondered where this and other traditions began?

Halloween evolved from ancient Celtic festivals, such as Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the dawn of winter. Celts were no longer spending long days in the pastures, and so they gathered in their homes to tell stories and wait out the winter. As Christianity spread, Halloween became intertwined with a feast day dedicated to the saints and deceased loved ones. “All Hallows Eve,” eventually got shortened to “Hallowe'en,” and then Halloween.

Though certain parts of Halloween history are common knowledge, there are interesting facts about this holiday that are less widely known. Halloween customs are actually a blend of Celtic, Catholic, and ancient Roman traditions. It is thought that the earliest celebrations date back to roughly 800 to 600 BC, with observances of the harvest season and nature before the arrival of winter. The Celtic festival of Samhain was a major influence on modern day Halloween.

On October 31, Celts thought the door to the underworld was opened and could let out spirits. Feasts were held and place-settings were left for deceased relatives, to return home for a visit. In addition to friendly spirits, mean spirits also could cross over and bonfires were lit to ward off these spirits. Extra candles would also be used in homes and churches to keep evil away.

The custom of wearing costumes also has its roots in keeping evil spirits at bay. Costumes and masks were worn to confuse bad spirits and frighten them so that they could not bring misfortune to their village. People wore masks and ventured out after dark so that envious ghosts who were cold would not recognize them as residents of warm and inviting homes.

Even trick-or-treating may have blended origins. Druids believed the dead would play tricks on mankind during Samhain, causing destruction and panic. To appease the spirits, people would give the dead food and other treats. 

The early Christian custom called “souling” can be linked to Halloween as well. It was a day when they would go door-to-door begging for soul cakes, which were square pieces of bread with currants. The more cakes a person received, the more prayers he or she would promise for the dead relatives of the cake donors.

Ireland is believed by many to be the birthplace of the jack-o'-lantern. The first jack-o'-lanterns were made from turnips and beets and were supposedly carried by those walking at night to frighten away evil spirits. It wasn't until Halloween was brought to North America that pumpkins were used for creating the jack-o'-lantern. Pumpkins are now carved and displayed as Halloween decorations.

Originally published in The Times Dispatch, October, 2015