With Halloween quickly approaching, everyone is abuzz with costume ideas, spooky treats, and party plans. Growing up, we never questioned the opportunity to dress up and collect candy from our neighbors during this special time of the year. But looking back on our fond childhood memories, doesn’t the concept of Halloween seem a little bit strange? After all, where did Halloween come from? To answer these questions, let’s take a step back and rediscover the mystery behind this beloved holiday.
1. Halloween is believed to have evolved out of the Celtic holiday, Samhain. This holiday signaled the transition between the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. At this time, it was believed the boundaries between earth and the world of the dead were significantly weakened. Consequently, ghosts and other spirits could easily return to earth.
2. Carving pumpkins every Halloween was a childhood tradition I’m sure we were all very attached to. If you’re looking to carry on the tradition and celebrate Halloween a little more customarily this year, try carving a turnip! According to Irish and Scottish folktales, turnips and other vegetables were often carved in place of pumpkins. These jack-o-lanterns were used to ward off evil spirits, and were often said to represent a soul who had been rejected from heaven and hell.
3. If you ever celebrate Halloween in Hollywood, California, note that getting caught with silly string will set you back a thousand dollars.
4. Trick-or-treat? During Halloween in 16th century England, people would often go door to door in costume to recite prayers for the dead in exchange for food.
5. Harry Houndini, a legendary escape artist whose acts included wriggling his way out of a straightjacket while underwater, died from a mysterious case of peritonitis (inflamed abdomen) on October 31, 1926. He performed one of his last shows in Montreal before his death.
6. With the abundance of creepy haunted houses and spooky costumes that gather in the city around this time, it’s not hard to wind up downright terrified of what you might encounter on October 31. Fittingly, “Samhainophobia” describes the fear of Halloween.
Nonetheless, Halloween’s eerie roots add to the charm and magic that surrounds the holiday. Need a new party trick? Feel free to brag about your newfound knowledge to all of your friends. Stay safe and Happy Halloween!
Images obtained from:
http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit/articles/6-insanely-ridiculous-halloween-…
http://molempire.com/2011/10/20/halloween-celebrated-around-the-globe/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andyinnyc/4059446142/in/photostream/
Sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween
http://www.halloweenhistory.org/more-halloween-history.html
http://sempereademelizabeth.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/halloween-with-a-me…
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/0324.html