Origin Of Halloween

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Halloween is one of the holidays that most people all over the world celebrate every October 31. Even though most of the people celebrate this holiday, not all nations know about the true origin of Halloween. Many people think that Halloween is associated with different satanic worshipers. However, this is not true and not all people are aware of this fact. In this article, you will learn about the origin of Halloween and that it is not connected to any satanic cults. You will also learn why this holiday is celebrated from the ancient times up until the present time.

Celtic Custom

If you would go back in time in order for you to know about the history of Halloween, you will find out that it is an ancient custom of the Gaelic pagan. Before, this holiday was called Samhain. This festival is held every end of the harvest season in the Brythonic and Gaelic cultures. The Samhain has characteristics of a festival of the dead. Furthermore, the term Samhain was derived from the ancient Celtic calendar. This festival marks the end of the summer season and it suggests that it is the end of the harvest season. Afterwards, the Gaelic festival called Samhain became connected with the festival of the Catholic religion, which is called All Souls’ Day. This influenced the secular customs that are now associated with Halloween.

Why Halloween is Associated with the Festival of the Dead

The main reason why this festival is related with the festival of the dead is the fact that the ancient Gaels believed that the border of this world and the otherworld becomes thin on Samhain. Thus, it allows the spirits to pass through. The ancient Gaels believed that both good and bad spirits could pass through the thin border every Samhain. Because of this, the Gaels wore costumes and mask so that the bad spirits can be warded off and the spirits of their ancestors can easily get through.

Origin of the Name

The term Halloween was derived from All Hallows’ Even, which was from an Old English word. All Hallows’ Even is also known as All Saints’ Day. Before, this Christian holiday was held on May 13 and was moved to November 1, which is a time of pagan festivities particularly the Samhain by Popes Gregory III and Gregory IV. Furthermore, in year 800s, the All Saints’ Day and Halloween were both celebrated on the same day. Today, the All Saints’ Day is celebrated a day after the Halloween. Overall, the Halloween festival was not originally from the Christian holiday but from the ancient Gaels. The main reason why these two festivities are associated is due to the festival of the dead. Furthermore, these two festivals were celebrated several months apart. The All Saints’ Day was only moved to November 1 so that this Christian holiday can be celebrated at the same time of the Samhain. Furthermore, the Halloween festival is celebrated with different symbols, which are also associated with the ancient Celtic culture.

Disney’s Haunted Halloween

See larger image The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (Disney Gold Classic Collection) (DVD) Director: Clyde Geronimi, Jack Kinney, James Algar Starring: Bing Crosby, Basil Rathbone, Eric Blore, Pat O'Malley, John McLeish Rating: G (General Audience) List Price: $19.99 USD New From: $8.98 In Stock Used from: $8.12 In Stock Release date October 3, 2000.

See larger image Story & Song From the Haunted Mansion (Audio CD) List Price: $10.98 USD New From: $6.91 In Stock Used from: $7.26 In Stock Release date September 22, 2009.