History And Tradition of Halloween






by Tony Mazirot


Halloween is a great time of the year. Not only for kids but also for men and women also. After all, what person doesn't love getting dressed up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and head out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween occasion. Halloween is an event observed around the globe and in almost every nation as there are seasonal and religious connections which are common. It has been in existence for almost 500 years.

There is some conjecture on the origin of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. A number of historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it commenced as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nonetheless, more often linked to the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occurrence that celebrates the end of summertime.

Of course the name "Halloween" is more famously connected with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night before All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and throughout the generations All-Hallows-Eve evolved into Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is celebrated globally, however not every cultures celebrate on this date. Some nations around the world celebrate on the 2nd Tuesday in December.

Halloween has a great deal of symbolism and imagery that has changed over the years and many civilizations and movements have contributed to it. Most notably are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned an entire industry of costume manufacturers and each year the latest craze of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings. Additionally, there are countless activities that have become traditions of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is probably the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast get dressed up and go house to house in their neighborhoods amassing candy and treats. There are Halloween functions, prank playing, games for instance bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.

Favorite foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack that is a fruit bread.

Halloween represents the season of the harvest and the end of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people assert it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the beginning of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.




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