History of Halloween
Halloween originated as a Celtic festival called Samhain: an ancient Celtic festival commonly thought to have pagan roots. Samhain means “summer's end” and the festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. On October 31, Celts would dress up and build large bonfires where crops and other offerings would be sacrificed. They thought that on this day, spirits would be able to return to earth and that this would help druids to make clearer prophecies about the future. After the Roman Empire took control of the Celtic land and Christianity had become widespread, a new festival was created. In 1000 A.D, All Souls Day, a festival observed on November 2, was created to celebrate the dead. This celebration was similar to Samhain, and over time it evolved to be called All-Hallows Eve, and then eventually Halloween. During the 19th century, fall festivals were prominent, and when Irish refugees began immigrating in large waves, the celebration of Halloween became mainstream. Americans began throwing parties that included dressing up, playing games, and eating seasonal foods. These were thrown in an attempt to dissuade people from vandalizing buildings and causing unappreciated mischief. Between the 1920s and the 1950s, the idea of trick or treating was introduced to the public, creating a tradition still observed today. Countries that also partake in trick or treating include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.
Other countries also observe something similar to Halloween, that is mistaken for Halloween. Mexico's day of the dead celebration is one such example. Families celebrate the return of their deceased loved ones by leaving offerings at altars or gravestones and coming together to remember their loved ones. From celebrating the return of the dead to knocking on doors to get candy, Halloween is a holiday that is beloved in the hearts of many.
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