Culturally, we all understand what modern Halloween has evolved into. But we may not know what it was like decades ago.
When I first started learning about Halloween, I often wondered if it was based on superstitions and if its origins were somehow tied into religion. Maybe it was just about having a great time, similar to the way we dress up in Greek costumes and head out for a drink(s) and a good time these days.
Historians explain that Halloween was brought to America by the Celtics and the Christians. The Celts would celebrate Samhain (pronounced SAH-ween) on November 1st, a holiday that was as much a harvest celebration festival as it was anything. Christian’s, on the other hand, would gather for All Hallow’s Eve when the people would don masks in hopes that masking their appearance would protect them from the walking dead. They believed that dead walked the earth would be spurred forward into the afterlife, but not before exacting their last revenge upon their enemies, thus they would disguise themselves to the spirits in hopes of escaping the torment.
Contrary to common perception, the carving of pumpkins did not actually take place in Europe. It is a tradition we americans savor. Pumpkins were more readily available here in America. Overseas, they would carve turnips instead. These symbolized lanterns to guide the souls in Pergatory. Since pumpkins were softer and easier to carve and much more in abundance and so were used more widely here.
The tradition of Trick-or-Treating actually began based on the sweet tradition of children collecting soul cakes. Soul cakes and kids out “souling” gathered cakes specially baked for the occasion, and in exchange for the cake, the kids would say a prayer for their loved one’s soul. In the 1930’s, the phrase “trick or treating” became published by an Oregon newspaper who spoke of local hoodlums and the neighbors paying them off in candy to stop the vandalism.
The colors of orange and black became the colors of Halloween because the orange was for the fall season and the black symbolized death.
For us today, Halloween is a huge industry proving that Americans love to celebrate it. Now that you know a little more about it, perhaps a bit of thought to those who brought it to us is appropriate?
Happy Haunting!
Emma Rae Curtis is a costume/dressing up/makeup & accessories expert. She mainly writes about Halloween but also about all things costume and dress-up related.
