The story of Halloween has its roots in ancient Celtic and Christian traditions. Here’s a simplified version of the story in English:
The Celtic Festival of Samhain
Long ago, in what is now Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, there was a festival called Samhain. It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this day, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred, and the spirits of the dead could walk among the living.
The Celts would build large bonfires and offer sacrifices to the gods to ensure that their animals and crops would be protected through the winter. They also wore costumes and masks to ward off evil spirits and to trick them into thinking they were also spirits.
The Christian Influence: All Saints’ Day
In the 8th century, the Catholic Church, in an effort to Christianize the existing Celtic practices, established All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, on November 1st. This day was to honor all the saints and martyrs. The night before, on October 31st, became known as All Hallows’ Eve, or Halloween.
The Evolution of Halloween
Over time, the traditions of Samhain and All Hallows’ Eve merged. The celebration became more about the fun and the spooky than the religious. People began to tell stories of ghosts and witches, and to play tricks on each other. The wearing of costumes became a way to imitate the spirits or to hide from them.
In the United States, Halloween has evolved into a night of costumes, candy, and parties. It’s a time when people of all ages come together to celebrate with a mix of ancient traditions and modern customs.
This is a brief overview of the story behind Halloween. The actual history is much more complex and involves various cultural and religious influences over the centuries.
