History of Halloween

Halloween derives from Hallowe'en, an archaic contraction of All Hallows' Eve. It precedes "All Hallows" -- the day of hallowed (saintly) souls.

Like other Catholic holidays, Halloween was borrowed from pagan traditions. The Celts called it the Day of the Dead: as it was the first day of winter (samhuinn: summer's end) and of the new year. On this day, the celestial gates were in alignment between this world and the other: allowing spirits to wander the earth and magic to be at its most potent. Believers would leave food out on their doorstep to distract the spirits, and would wear frightening masks to scare them away.

In addition, Celtic Druids would light fires and offer sacrifices. All fires were extinguished throughout the village except for a communal "bone fire" (bonfire) upon which the villagers would toss the bones of slaughtered cattle. Afterwards, each family would receive an ember of the fire from which they could re-light their hearths.

Although the Roman Catholics attempted to alter the holiday into a religious festival, it retained many of its pagan traditions and roots, including a focus on ghosts, witchcraft, and monsters. Jack-o-lanterns were originally carved turnips, symbolizing Jack of the Lantern: a prankster who was neither accepted in heaven or hell, but was condemned to wander the earth with a candlelit turnip to light his way. Trick-or-treating is called guising in Scotland and is based on the idea of gathering treats to thank the gods for a good harvest. There, a talent has to be performed or a joke told before the celebrant receives a treat.

I absolutely love Halloween. It signifies autumn to me, childhood memories, the start of the holiday season ... and our fascination with fear.