Halloween is a celebration held every October 31st. On Halloween night, people go out and wear costumes and accessories with a horror theme, such as ghost costumes, skeletons, Dracula, and many more.
**Halloween is short for All Hallows’ Evening, which means the night of all saints. It is celebrated one day before the Christian holy day called All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st, and All Souls’ Day which falls on November 2nd.
History of Halloween**
Halloween is a celebration with a long history. This celebration originated from Christian traditions. As explained above, Halloween is the night before the Christian holy day called All Hallows’ Day or All Saints’ Day. It is celebrated on October 31st, one day before All Saints’ Day on November 1st and All Souls’ Day on November 2nd.
From October 31st to November 2nd is known as All Hallowtide. These three days are dedicated to honoring the saints and praying for the souls of those who have passed away but have not yet entered heaven.
Wearing Scary Costumes on Halloween
The tradition of Halloween comes from an ancient Celtic harvest festival that has roots in Pagan beliefs, called the Samhain festival. This festival was later Christianized under the command of Pope Boniface IV. It was originally celebrated by the ancient Celtic people in England and Ireland. The Samhain festival was then moved to November 1st.
On the night before November 1st, specifically the night of October 31st, the Halloween festival is celebrated. This day also coincides with the beginning of the winter season. People who celebrated Halloween at that time believed that the night of October 31st was when the spirits of the dead returned to their homes.
On the night of October 31st, it was believed that many evil spirits returned to the earth to disturb the Celtic people. To scare these spirits away, they lit large bonfires and wore frightening masks and costumes.
When the Romans defeated the Celts, this tradition was later merged with Roman traditions that honored their deceased ancestors and paid tribute to Pomona, the Roman goddess of harvest.
Jack O’ Lantern Costume
In addition to lighting large bonfires and wearing scary costumes, Halloween is also closely associated with pumpkins carved to resemble frightening faces. This pumpkin character is known as Jack O’ Lantern. This character is said to be the spirit of a wandering soul carrying a lantern, who managed to trick the devil to avoid going to hell.
Jack O’ Lantern is a very popular symbol of Halloween. It represents the souls of the dead. It is said that Jack O’ Lantern was carried by impersonators to scare away evil spirits. It is also believed to be the spirit of someone who cannot enter either heaven or hell because of their sins.
This legend was later depicted as a carved pumpkin featuring a scary face. The Jack O’ Lantern pumpkin has now become a mandatory decoration in every Halloween celebration. In addition to that.
Trick or Treat Tradition on Halloween
On Halloween night, children go around visiting houses while wearing scary costumes. They come to each house asking for candy while saying “Trick or Treat.” This phrase actually refers to a playful threat, meaning they might play a prank on the homeowner if they don’t receive anything.
Traditions like this have been practiced by people since long ago. In England, during the Middle Ages, children from poor families went from one parish to another asking wealthy people for “soul cakes.” Those who gave them cakes would receive prayers in return.
Meanwhile, in Scotland and Ireland, children disguised themselves by wearing costumes while going from house to house. This tradition has been around since 1895, where children visited each home to receive cakes, fruit, and money.
Halloween Celebrations Around the World
Halloween is not only celebrated in the United States. In Scotland and Ireland, children celebrate Halloween by wearing scary costumes and holding parties. In Ireland specifically, Halloween festivities are accompanied by large bonfires and fireworks.
Halloween is also celebrated in various countries around the world, such as Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries. In Asia, Halloween is celebrated in Japan and the Philippines. In the Philippines, people return to their hometowns and buy candles and flowers in preparation for All Saints’ Day or Araw ng mga Patay on November 1.
