Halloween is almost here. You may be wondering why people choose October 31 as a day to dress up as monsters and demand candy from strangers. How did this awesome tradition get started?
Turns out, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the Celts. The origin of the holiday can be linked to the “ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.” Long story short — about 2,000 years ago, the Celts lived in what we now call modern day France, England, and Ireland. The Celts began their New Year on November 1, which meant that, for them, October 31 was like New Year’s Eve.
Many years later, after Christianity grew in popularity, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 as “All Saints Day” or “All-Hallows,” a time to honor saints. History.com writes that “in 1000 A.D., the church would make November 2 All Souls’ Day, a day to honor the dead. All Souls Day was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils.” October 31 turned into “All-Hallows Eve” and then, eventually, Halloween. Some of the traditions (costumes and trickery) stuck around. Following close on Halloween’s heels is Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos. This is celebrated in Mexico on November 2nd [All Souls Day]. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. You can always learn more about these and other holidays at your friendly local Public Library! There is a pumpkin carving contest for teens being held Wednesday October 26th at 4:30m here at the Library. This Friday at the TAY center [612 Fourth Street] is a haunted house. It begins at 6:00 and goes until 9:00. So check that out. It is for all ages.
Posted by Estel.