Yet again the season is back. The season for Halloween candy and pumpkin spice snacks. When the moon is full and the night is clear, Ghosts and goblins will soon appear. With costumes and masks, we’ll dress up right, To trick-or-treat and enjoy the night. The time of year to enjoy some fear. Halloween is back in town this year. But how was Halloween founded? How did Halloween become Halloween?
Back in the 8th century, Pope Gregory the Third designated November 1 as a time to honor saints. Some time after, All saints came to incorporate some traditions of Samhain. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows Eve, and soon became Halloween. The tradition originates with an ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was believed that on that day, the souls of the dead returned to their homes. People would then light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off any ghosts or spirits.
How did trick-or-treating for Halloween originate? It is said that trick-or-treating evolved from a tradition where people impersonated the spirits, or the souls of the dead, and received offerings on their behalf. Evidence of trick-or-treating was also seen in England when children would go to affluent homes and pray for the soul of the home owner’s deceased relatives in exchange for pastries.
What is the story behind Jack O Lantern’s? Irish families started carving turnips into deformed, misshapen shapes and lighting them in order to scare away the wandering soul of Jack and other evil spirits away on the night of Samhain on the Celtic calendar. There is additionally an old Irish myth that says Jack, a man, went out for a drink with the devil and convinced him to turn himself into a coin so that they could pay for the drink.
How are black cats associated with Halloween? Black cats were considered bringers of bad luck and curses to any human they came near, and were associated with witchcraft. The evolution of black cats being “familiars” with witches was rooted in the belief that witches were able to use cats for spying and other sorts of dark magic. In 1484, Pope Innocent Viii declared that the cat was the “devil’s favorite animal and idol of all witches.”
Decorating and dressing up for Halloween is so much fun. However, when did this decorating and dress up begin? In 1958, people began decorating their houses for the Halloween season. It is said that decorating for Halloween is supposed to ward off evil spirits and trick the devil. The dressing up for Halloween started when families would put food and wine on their doorstep for their returning relatives and wear masks and ghost costumes when they went out so the spirits wouldn’t bother them.
Stay Safe and Happy Halloween!!