History

History of Halloween

The history of Halloween is nearly as old as civilization itself and with all civilizations, all of our ancestors had traditions to remember and honor the dead. These ancient traditions bare little resemblance to what we today call Halloween, but when you examine the modern traditions, you will be able to draw a line to these old ways of remembrance.

Samhain

Reaching back as far as history can take us, brings us to Ireland and the Celtic festival of Samhain, the Celtic New Years festival. The name Samhain (pronounced 'Soo-when', 'So-ween', or 'Saw-wen') means "Summers End", and celebrates the transition from a season of growing and harvest into the cold of Winter. This was also, a time where the Celts believed the dead were most able to interact with the living - either from beyond the grave come back, or for the more recently departed, on their way to the afterlife. Since some of those spirits may have been malevolent to those still living, the practice of 'guising' was developed where one would rub ashes from the great bonfires which were traditionally lit, on to their faces to help disguise themselves from the dead whom they may have wronged, yet still be able to reveal themselves to more benevolent souls. This practice changed with the times and can be seen as the modern tradition of wearing masks.

Other Celtic traditions included stocking up on food and supplies for the Winter, which included slaughtering of cattle and disposing of their bones in large bonfires - the name of which originated from that very practice of having "bone-fires". They would also gather together for feasting and drinking, and welcoming visits from past ancestors - who were treated with favorite foods left out for them - a tradition which continues in many cultures today. Unfortunately, many of the traditions have been lost to time.