Halloween is a very special time of year. Traditionally most people associate Halloween with dressing up in costumes and going door to door asking for candy. Many families have their children dress up and go "Trick or Treating", while others celebrate with elaborate costumed celebrations and parties. Like many holidays and traditions, it is blindly followed without question of its origin. However, Halloween is derived from a very ancient day from history.
Samhain is Gaelic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is traditionally celebrated from sunset on October 31st, until sunset on November 1st and has been believed to be a very powerful day which is set between the autumn equinox and winter solstice. It is said Samhain is a day derived from Pagan origins, as are most of the commonly celebrated holidays known throughout the world. It is known to be a date of much importance in many early writings, and in Irish mythology. This was a day that has been associated with ancient rituals and sacrifice, that would appease Pagan Gods. It was believed that the thread dividing the world of the living and dead was easily crossed over on this particular night of the year. So, people would leave out offerings (food, drinks, etc.) for the spirits that crossed over into the world of the living, hoping this would help their cattle survive the winter, and ensure their crops would yield a bountiful harvest. It was also believed that spirits of the deceased returned on this day to their loved one's homes seeking refuge and hospitality.
Dressing up in a costume was also part of the original tradition. Costumes were a way of disguising oneself on this night from the spirits or fairies that were thought to cross over as well. Bonfires were often lit to offer protection for the living and ward off the other spirits that were thought to be wandering around in the dark.
So, as you can see Halloween is a holiday that is known for many reasons, the time between fall and winter, the line between life and death, both a celebration of fun but also ancient superstitions. So, however you choose to celebrate it, we wish you a happy and safe Halloween!
