October 16th, 2012
The History of Hallowe'en
In early Celtic or Gaelic culture, October 31 was the celebration at the end of harvest.Historically this was called Samhaim (sah-win). October 31 was a very firm date because it was considered the one day of the year when the the worlds of the living and the dead collided. The Celts feared that mischievous spirits could bring sickness or destroy crops unless the food was already harvested. At this festival the Celtic elders would inventory the harvest to ensure their people could survive the winter. Fire was used, torches and bonfires, to ward off these spirits. Robes and disguises were used to blend in with the spirits, to placate them and avoid misfortune.
All Hallow's Eve, early Christians named November 1st All Saints Day. Or Hallowmas, All Hallows or Hallowtide. Thus the eve of All Hallows. It was a day to celebrate dead saints and holy people. A day to pray for those making the journey to Heaven. it was also a day of feasting. A day of Treating. Masks were also worn by the Christians to avoid recognition because they also believed All Hallow's Eve was the last chance for the dead to settle Earthly quarrels.
All this contributed to the Hallowe'en we have today. The treats, the costumes, the trick, and all that goes with it.
No comments:
Post a Comment