October 31, 2021 marks the annual celebration of Halloween. Although the traditions and meaning behind the celebration has changed over time, the origins began with The Celts. The Celts called their festival/celebration Samhain. Samhain pronounced (sow-in) was the end of year celebration for the Celts. It marked the end of the summer and harvest season and a “New Year” which began in winter.
Samhain
The “Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.” The Celts built sacred bonfires and offered sacrifices to Celtic deities. The Celts often dressed in costumes of fur and animal hides. When the festivities were over, they used torches lit from the bonfire to re-light their home hearth fires. The tradition was an effort to protect themselves from the coming winter and “new” year. As the Roman Empire expanded, they incorporated these Celtic traditions into existing Roman holidays. Thus, creating a consolidated holiday called All-Hallows Eve which eventually became Halloween.
Modern Traditions
As European nations began to colonize the Americas, they brought a variety of traditions with them. Modern Halloween stems from these early colonial festivities. Featuring, “…the telling of ghost stories and mischief-making of all kinds.” These festivities continued through the early 1900’s. In the 1950’s traditions we see today became more common. These traditions included community Trick-or-Treating, community bonfires and social parties becoming the standard.
Although the last couple of years have brought many changes, there are still safe ways to celebrate. Be sure to check your local communities’ Covid-19 protocols and recommendations. Check your local area for events that may be right for you and your family.
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Sources: All Events.com, City of Fairbanks.com, and History.com
