History of Halloween

Originally and still to this day the Celtic festival of Samhain occurs on October 31st. Historically Celtic people would light bonfires and dress in costumes to ward off ghosts.

It’s also believed to be a day to celebrate the end of harvest and to honor our ancestors. This belief was adapted more with the expansion of the church, as it blended with All Saints Day on November 1st. All Hallows Eve was created by the church and celebrated the night before All Saints’ Day. Many of the customs of Samhain were incorporated, such as placing out food or treats and wearing costumes.

In the beginning the American colonies did not celebrate Halloween like we do today. Mostly Halloween celebrations were in the southern colonies. As more people immigrated from European, they brought with them their traditions. Halloween was a time for single women to find out who would be their suitor and if they would be married by next Halloween. People would knock on doors for food and gifts. This was later marketed to children and what we know today as trick or treating.

It’s is believed by many cultures that the veil between our world and the spiritual world is thinnest on October 31st.

You can find more information here: https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween