OCTOBER, THE MONTH OF HALLOWEEN

OCTOBER, THE MONTH OF HALLOWEEN

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st for over 2.000 years by the Celts in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. In popular culture, Halloween has become a celebration of horror and is associated with the macabre and the supernatural.

• The Samhain festival: Ancient Celts in Ireland and Britain celebrated Samhain on November 1st to mark the end of summer and the harvest, and the beginning of winter.
• The passing of spirits: They believed that on the night before the new year (October 31st), the boundary between the world of living and the dead became very thin, and spirits returned to earth.
• Bonfires and disguises: People lit large fires and wore animal skins or masks to confuse evil spirits.

 

CURRENT CUSTOMS – TRICK OR TREAT

On October 31st children wear costumes, often scary ones (ghosts, witches, superheroes). They go around the neighborhood and knock on the doors of decorated houses. When the door opens, they shout “Trick or treat!” Neighbors give them sweets, chocolates, or candies to avoid some… harmless prank.

                                                           IRENE TSIGARIDA B6