Andrea Johnson, aj248@uakron.edu
It’s your favorite time of the year! Where ghosts and goblins roam the air. Children’s laughs are filled, with the most wicked cheer. They dress up in their favorite costumes that they like to wear door-to-door. Trick-or-treating captivates the neighborhood once more. Do you ever wonder about the true meaning of Halloween? Why are there Jack-O-lanterns as you walk through stores? Maybe I’ll tell you a story from where this all began. Or I may keep it a secret until the night’s end. On second thought, I won’t keep you waiting, but a word of advice. Light a candle, grab candy and cider, while I tell you about the history of Halloween night.
BACKGROUND - WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN?
Halloween was once known as All-Hallows’ Eve, The origin dates back to the time of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Ancient pagans used the festival to celebrate the harvest at the end of summer. Traditionally, a bonfire would be lit and costumes would be worn to keep evil spirits away.
ALL SAINT’S DAY - WHAT IS IT? HOW DOES IT TIE IN WITH HALLOWEEN
Sometime during the eighth century, Pope Gregory named November 1st as All Saint’s Day. The day before was deemed All Saint’s Eve and it included some of the old pagan ways of celebration.
HALLOWEEN COMES TO NORTH AMERICA
Halloween was popularized by the Irish immigrants in the early 19th century. The Irish brought along their old customs that would eventually transform into a traditional American holiday.
HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS
Unlike other parts of Europe, the United States celebrates Halloween as a non-religious practice. Instead, people in the United States like to celebrate Halloween with fun activities. These activities involve going to houses and asking for candy (trick-or-treating). Carving Jack-O-lanterns, festival gatherings, and wearing costumes of peoples favorite scary or non-scary characters.
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