Why do we celebrate Halloween?
Ghouls and ghosts are the stuff of nightmares on every other day of the year, so the tradition of welcoming these creepy creatures does seem a little odd when you think about it.
But there’s no doubt that Halloween is one of the nation’s favourite celebrations of the year!
With so many great Halloween movies for adults and kids(opens in new tab), delicious Halloween food ideas (opens in new tab) and fun Halloween crafts(opens in new tab) to get stuck into, it’s one of the most exciting events to happen before Christmas.
Plus it gets us ready for the winter and darker months ahead!
Why do we celebrate Halloween?
The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain.
In the modern day, we follow a lot of the spooky traditions associated with Halloween such as wearing costumes, carving pumpkins, and enjoying tasty food. In the UK it’s become popular to have parties to celebrate this event, which is a great opportunity to get together with friends and family for fun.
What is the true meaning of Halloween?
Halloween, contraction of All Hallows’ Eve, a holiday observed on October 31, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day. The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days and concludes with All Souls’ Day.
Why do we say Trick or Treat?
The phrase is a subtle suggestion that if a treat (like chocolate) is given, then the child will not perform a “trick” (mischief) on the owner of the house. This popular Halloween custom has its origins in the ancient practices of “souling” and “guising.”
Why do we carve pumpkins on Halloween?
The glowing carved faces were reminders of death and were also used to scare nasty neighbours! These shining turnips were called ‘punkies’ and ‘Jack o’Lanterns’ and were named after ghostly lights rumoured to be seen in marshes and bogs that were believed to be the spirits of the dead.
