Origin of Halloween | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Origin of Halloween

From Celts to Romans to America

20
Origin of Halloween
Haley Van Ness photo

Halloween, a time of tricks and treats, is a favorite holiday for many Americans as well as other western countries such as Ireland, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Halloween originates from the ancient Celts. They lived about 2,000 years ago in the Ireland, United Kingdom and northern France. Halloween is derived from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark and cold winter. This festival also marked the beginning of the new year for the Celts. On the night of October 31st, the Celts believed that the boundaries between the world of the living and the dead became thin and ghosts of the dead could return to the living world. On this night were the dead came back, Druids (Celtic priests) would communicate with the spirits and predict the future. To celebrate Samhain the Druids build bonfires, and people would dress up in costumes appease spirits that had come back to life.

In 609 A.D, long after the Romans conquered the Celts, Pope Boniface IV established the Catholic feast All Martyrs Day. It was later expanded to saints. Celtic culture blended into Christian culture. In 1000 A.D. the church made November 2nd All Souls’ Day, which blended many Celtic customs with Christian customs.

Around 1850, Irish immigrants poured into America and helped make Halloween more popular. Combining Irish traditions and English traditions, the early “trick-or-treat” began. At the turn of the century Halloween became more secularized and parties focused on festive games and foods instead of the old superstitions.

An easy mistake many people around the world make is thinking that Halloween is the same thing as Day of the Dead. This Mexican holiday celebrates past loved ones and relatives. Day of the Dead traditions include building alters and giving offerings to ancestors. During this day the gates of heaven open on midnight October 31st and deceased children are reunited with their families. On November 2nd deceased adult spirits come down and are reunited with their families as well.

Sources

http://halloweenhistory.org/

http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/support/dodhistory.html

http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

12149
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5408
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4008
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3527
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments