Saturday, September 15, 2012

The Infamous History of Halloween

By Bill Johnson


Halloween is a great time of the year. Not only for kids but for men and women as well. After all, what person doesn't love getting dressed up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and head out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween occasion. Halloween is an event observed around the globe and in almost every nation. There are seasonal and religious connections and has been in existence for almost 500 years.

There is some conjecture on the origin of Halloween (not the name) but the celebration. A number of historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it started as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nonetheless; more often linked to the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occurrence that celebrates the end of summertime.

Of course the name "Halloween" is far more widely linked to the Scottish variant of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the evening prior to All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It arose in 1556, and throughout the centuries All-Hallows-Eve grew to become Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and it is celebrated world wide, however cultures observe during this date. Certain countries enjoy on the 2nd Tuesday in December.

Halloween has a great deal of symbolism and imagery that has changed over the years and several cultures and movements have contributed to it. Most notably are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and each year the most recent craze of popular movies and characters adds to offerings.

There are also numerous activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating has become the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast get dressed up and go house to house within their neighborhoods accumulating candy and goodies. There are Halloween parties, prank playing, games including bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.

Favorite foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack that's a fruit bread.

Halloween represents the season of the harvest and the end of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people claim it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the beginning of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.




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