The true origins of Halloween lie with the ancient Celtic tribes who lived in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany. For the celts Nov 1st marked the beginning of a new year and the coming of winter.
The night before the new year, they celebrated the festival of Samhain, Lord of the Dead. During the festival Celts beleived the souls of the dead including ghosts, goblins, and witches would return to mingle with the living. In order to scare away the evil spirits people would wear masks and light bonfires.
When the Romans conquered the Celts, they added their own touches to the Samhain festival such as making centerpieces out of apples and nuts for Pomana, the Roman goddess of the orchards. The Romans bobbed for apples and drank cider-traditions which may sound familiar to you.
But where does the Christian aspect of the day come from?
In 835 Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for all the martyrs (later all saints) from May 13 to Nov 1st. The night before became known as All Hallow's Eve or "holy evening" Evenually the name was shortened to the current Halloween. On Nov 2nd the church celebrates All Souls' Day.
The purpose of these feasts is to remember those who have died whether they are offically recognized by the church or not. It is a celebration of the "communion of saints" which reminds us that the church is not bound by space or time. |
