Halloween is a holiday that has been around for a very long time and has a rich history surrounding it. There are many links back to it’s origins but the most popular is to the Celtic festival of Samhain, or Samuin as it was originally spelled. The name, Samhain, found it’s roots in the Old Irish and basically means “Summers End”.During the festival of Samhain the main focus is letting go of the lighter half of the year and marking the start of the darker half. Some people call it the Celtic New Year.
According to ancient Celtic beliefs during this time the border that separates our world from the Otherworld becomes more narrow and that spirits (whether good or evil) could easily pass through. The dead family ancestors would be welcomed home as the evil spirits were warded off.
This is believed to be why the whole idea of costumes and masks came about. The idea was that if they wore a costume they would be disguised and could easily avoid harm from the evil spirits. The costumes were, of course, rudimentary consisting of simple masks, veils or face paint.
Samhain had a lot of meaning for the people beyond spirits such as it being their time to stock up on food and fresh meat for the long and cold winter that lay ahead. The ceremonies really focused on the use of bonfires in the center of the celebration. All other fires in the village would be extinguished and then relit from the bonfires. During the celebration the villagers would cast bones of dead livestock into the fire. Two bonfires were sometimes made next to each other so that the villagers and their livestock could walk in between them and become cleansed.
The actual word Halloween is thought to have come about in the sixteenth century and is a variant of the Scottish word All Hallows Eve, or the night before All Hallows Day.
In the early days, they would carve turnips but that has been modified to carving pumpkins today. The turnips were originally used by the Celts as a ward against malevolent spirits. They would be placed in the windows for protection. The reason that it is so much more popular to carve pumpkins, in the United States, is because they are much easier to find and easier to carve because of their size.
So, now you know a little about the history of where Halloween comes from and why we celebrate it the way we do. Hope you enjoy your next time out trick-or-treating with your children!
What are you going to be this Halloween?
This year, we’ve got a fantastic line of new costumes featuring some of the most popular, strangest, scariest, most glamorous and comical characters of today! You’re going to love the display we’ve got for you! Our Halloween Outfits are sure to be a hit at your parties!
For over 10 years, we have been a prime destination for Halloween Costumes! With our competitive prices and fantastic customer service, we are committed to bringing you the best possible outfit for you and your family! Our Halloween Costumes will have you in the most wonderful style when you get out to your party! Unique costumes for your whole family at amazing prices – with the largest selection – at Costume Kingdom!
Read More of This Article Here: https://ivtality.com/why-do-we-celebrate-halloween/