The History of Halloween

Follow @binasol8791 Tweet

Halloween is a graphic symbol of the American “melting pot.”  It has evolved from beliefs, rituals, and traditions, stemming from ancient Roman religions, early Christianity, paganism, and folklore from different immigrant cultures.

Today, Halloween signifies fun, parties, costumes and candy. Even the contrived “horrors” are not scary, just spine-tinglingly thrilling. Actually, the origins of this kid-oriented celebration lie in fear, superstition and even death.

At the dawn of the Gregorian calendar, Ireland, the current UK, and northern France were inhabited by the Celtic race.  Their beliefs and rituals were closely aligned to the passage of the seasons. November 1 was Samhain, (pronounced “sow-en”), their New Year.

Celts believed on this day, the worlds of the living and the dead came together. To appease and prevent the mischievous spirits from causing harm and damage to people and crops, feasts of food were prepared and huge bonfires of burning crops were set alight. Candles were lit and placed inside carved vegetables to light the way for good spirits, the precursor to the Jack O’Lanterns. Animal sacrifices to Celtic deities and costumes made of animal hides and bones were employed to deter evil spirits.

After the Roman conquest of 43 AD, many Celtic festivals were incorporated into their religious celebrations, All Hallows Day on November 1 being one.  Stemming from pagan festivals, this day was chosen by Pope Gregory III to commemorate the Christian feast of All Saints Day. The Church believed each day started at sunset, hence All Saints Day celebrations started on October 31.

In the mid-19^th century Irish and Scottish immigrants to America gave Halloween the shape we see today. Celebrations included fireworks, narration of ghost tales, games and pranks leveraged by naughty children rather than spirits. Fantastic and scary costumes, the typical foods of apples, candy and  corn, haunting-themed gatherings and parties all became an integral part of the observances.

By the 20^th century, Halloween transitioned from a religious to a communal observance. “Guising” an ancient practice of the Middle Ages, when the poor and children donned concealing garments and went door to door begging for food and alms, gave way to the modern practice of dressing up in costumes, and knocking on doors to the iconic shut of “trick or treat.”

Television, movies, and other media have hyped Halloween into a multi-billion dollar commercial holiday. Horror movies, haunted houses, attractions, and theme parks all feature prominently.

Anoka, Minnesota, is called the “Halloween Capital of the World.” It was the first city in America to officially celebrate Halloween. It started as a distraction for kids from dangerous and harmful mischief. The program included organized parades, costumes and treats of popcorn, peanuts and candy for children who participated in the parade, followed by a huge bonfire in the town square. The event grew over time and has been held every year since 1920 except 1942 and 1943, due to World War II. These days elaborate Halloween festivals include parades, carnivals, costume contests, house decorating, and other community celebrations.  

A transition from fall to winter, and a distraction 

from the dismal onset of the long bleak season, Halloween is a time of celebration, having evolved into a secular, communal event geared to children. Today the only ominous aspect is the possible threat from unsocial elements taking advantage of the dark, and disguises. As long as the negative aspects don’t gain control, and children and adults are kept safe as they roam about neighborhoods, it is a great way to celebrate the end of summer and to usher in the winter season.