Every year on October 31, Western countries are immersed in a mysterious and joyful atmosphere, and that is Halloween. But many people may wonder, is Halloween Halloween? What is the historical origin behind it?
The origin of Halloween
Halloween, also known as All Saints' Day, originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Sahain. The Celts believed that October 31 of each year was the end of summer and the beginning of a new year. On this special day, the souls of the deceased return to earth and live with the living. Therefore, the Celts would light bonfires and play the role of ghosts on this day as a way to drive away the restless spirits and protect themselves and their homes.
The development of Halloween
Over time, the Romans conquered the Celts, but instead of abolishing this ancient holiday, they combined it with Roman commemorations to form today's Halloween. The Romans believed that November 1 of each year was a day to commemorate all the saints, so they called the night of October 31 "All Halow."'s eve", i.e. Halloween.
Halloween customs
On Halloween, people dress up in all sorts of scary, spooky costumes, put on masks, and knock on doors to ask for candy. This custom has its roots in the ancient Celtic tradition of trick-or-treating. If the children don't give candy, they will wreak havoc on the house. To avoid this, people would place some food at the door as a way to pray for peace.
In addition, people also decorate their homes with jack-o-lanterns, which are also a Halloween icon. The origins of jack-o'-lanterns can be traced back to an Irish folklore. Legend has it that there was a man named Jack who was very stingy and was rejected by God after his death. He had to wander around, looking for shelter. Eventually, he finds a hollowed-out pumpkin and lights a candle in it to ward off the darkness and cold. Since then, jack-o'-lanterns have become an important symbol of Halloween.
The meaning of Halloween
Although Halloween is considered by many people to be a holiday full of horror and mystery, it actually carries people's love for life and anticipation for the future. Through activities such as playing ghosts and asking for candy, people release their stress and feel the joy of life. At the same time, the festival also promotes communication and interaction between people and strengthens the cohesion of the community.
In conclusion, Halloween is not just a spooky holiday, but a feast full of joy and culture. It allows us to stop in our busy lives and feel the unique atmosphere and fun. At the same time, it also allows us to cherish and respect our cultural traditions even more.