Superstitions of Halloween

Jade Messenger, jkm112@uakron.edu

Some may see Halloween as a holiday where you can gather with family, wear a silly costume, and knock on doors to ask for candy. But it goes further than that. It starts back, two thousand years ago, when Halloween marked the beginning of the Celtic New Year. It was originally translated to “summer's end” in Gaelic.

As Halloween grew popular among the states and other countries, many people came up with different traditions. With traditions came superstitions. Some range from black cats to witches; they all mean different things. Here are 5 Halloween superstitions- their history and meaning- to start the beginning of October!

Black Cats

One of the oldest and most common superstitions, these dark-pelted felines have a history of bringing bad luck. This connection dates back to medieval times when their dark coats were affiliated with witches. Some churches viewed them as creations of “satan”.

Owls

This superstition is less known amongst the people. Owls, with their huge wings and ever-seeing eyes, gave off a weird persona towards our ancestors. Many believed owls swooped down in the night to eat the dying souls. Another common one was a belief that they ate the organs of babies. They were also connected to being a “witch pet” and if you saw or heard one in the night, a witch was nearby.

Candle Snuffing

Back in ancient times, their beliefs about fire and life and how it was connected to the spirit world caused this superstition to make life. If you are in a ceremony and a candle is lit just to be blown out, it is perceived that evil spirits are nearby, ready to haunt you and bestow bad luck on your family.

Footsteps

Hearing footsteps at night may freak you out. This is because footsteps are a common superstition. They are rooted in the ancient beliefs of the dead and the supernatural. It is said if you hear footsteps behind you on the night of Halloween, don't look back. There is a ghost haunting you and you may be next to join their ranks.

Jack-O-Lanterns

Originating from an Irish Folklore called The Legend of “Stingy Jack,” Jack-O-Lantern symbolizes Jack's eternal wandering. This superstition is connected to spirits and the supernatural. Cutting a face into a pumpkin evolved into being believed to ward off evil spirits, including Jacks!