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History and Traditions of Halloween: Halloween, celebrated every year on October 31, has become popular all over the world today. However, the story behind it is very mysterious and scary. It started centuries ago, when people believed that dead souls return to earth on this particular day. Let’s understand the historical and cultural aspects of this festival, and learn how Halloween has become a symbol of fear and entertainment in modern society.
History and Traditions of Halloween
History of Halloween: The story behind the pumpkin
The history of Halloween is linked to the ancient Celtic community of Ireland and Scotland. The festival was originally part of the Celtic culture’s celebration called Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of cold weather. During this time, people believed that the spirits of the dead came back to the living world to try and visit their loved ones.
During Samhain, people lit fires to appease the spirits and wore strange costumes to confuse the spirits. Over time, this tradition evolved into Halloween, and included activities like scary masks, ghost stories, and carving pumpkins and lighting candles inside. Using pumpkins is a special American tradition, which makes it even scarier.
Halloween Traditions: Trick-or-Treat and Ghost Costumes
Nowadays, Halloween is mainly celebrated as a trick-or-treat for children. In this tradition, children go to their neighbors’ houses wearing scary ghost costumes and say ‘trick-or-treat’. In return, they get sweets and chocolates. This tradition is also related to Samhain, when people used to offer food or sweets to keep the spirits in peace.
In addition, ghost parties are organized on Halloween day in which people wear different types of scary costumes. Some people are interested in telling scary stories, while some are interested in visiting scary places. This day can also be considered a celebration of horror films, as many people enjoy horror movie marathons especially on Halloween.
Return of spirits to earth: What is the mystery behind it?
It is said that on Halloween night, spirits enter the world of the living. People believe that on this night the spirits return to meet lost people or incomplete tasks. Due to fear of this, people stay safe in their homes and follow special safety measures, such as placing pumpkins on the doors and trying to keep the spirits away.
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Many people believe that if they meet unknown people on Halloween night, they may be spirits. To avoid this, people wear ghostly costumes so that the spirits cannot recognize them.
Importance of Halloween in the modern era
Although the festival originated in Ireland and Scotland, it became most popular in the US. In American culture, Halloween is now seen as a family and social festival. Schools, colleges and public places host Halloween decorations and spooky-themed parties. People decorate their homes in a haunted style and display pumpkins cut into attractive designs.
History and Traditions of Halloween: Apart from this, Halloween has now turned into a huge business opportunity. The market is full of Halloween-related clothing, decorative items, sweets and other products.
Why is Halloween gaining popularity?
History and Traditions of Halloween: For today’s generation, Halloween is not just a symbol of scary stories, but it is an opportunity when they can showcase their creativity. Dressing up in ghostly costumes and organizing spooky-themed parties has become a means of entertainment for them. Social media is full of different Halloween trends, due to which this festival gains a new popularity every year.
History and Traditions of Halloween: The charm of Halloween is a unique blend of fear and thrill. Through this festival, we face our fears and give them a new form. No matter how old its roots are, Halloween is one festival that comes with a new look and vigor every year. By participating in this scary festival of spirits, we not only keep the stories of our past alive but also embrace fear in a new way.
