History of Halloween May Surprise You

When one thinks of Halloween dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, and watching horror movies is what often comes to mind- but how many people know the true origin of the celebration on October 31st? 

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Halloween is a term first used in the 16th century. Many believe that the holiday comes from pagan roots, but what may be surprising to learn is that the etymology of the word is in fact, Christian. Researchers say that it can be linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, meaning "summer's end." It was a festival to celebrate the last few days of the warm months and to prepare for the cold months ahead. It was believed that this was a time when the physical world was closest to the supernatural world and magical things could happen. On the eve of Samhain, the souls of the dead would visit their old homes. In order to protect themselves from these spirits, people would build huge bonfires and call to the gods to help them by sacrificing animals.

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It is also theorized that Halloween was heavily influenced by the Christian holy days of All Saint's Day, which is also known as All Hallows. Traditionally, this was a time for honoring the saints, as well as those who had recently passed away but had still not ascended to Heaven. It was believed that on the eve of All Saint's Day, or All Hallow's Eve, the wandering souls would inflict revenge on the living before they made their departure. To avoid being victimized, Christians would disguise themselves by wearing masks and costumes. This tradition can still be seen today when children dress up and go trick-or-treating. 

Symbols associated with Halloween have developed over time. For example, carving pumpkins comes from the Samhain tradition of carving turnips into lanterns to honor and remember the dead. Turnips have still been used as a carving tradition in places like Ireland and Scotland, but immigrants who came to North America began using pumpkins because their size and softness makes them easier to carve. Gothic and horror imagery associated with Halloween derives mostly from classic horror films such as Frankenstein and The Mummy. 

Halloween Ideas for the Family

With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to get those decorations up and those costumes picked out!  There are so many fun activities for celebrating Halloween that the whole family can get into. 

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The quickest way to get into the spirit of the holiday is by decorating your home. The whole family can participate and your hard work will be more than a little rewarding when seeing the joy it brings to your children's faces. Depending on your preference (and budget!) your house can have a few decorations put up to set it apart from the rest of the year or you can go Halloween-crazy and fill your home with seasonal decorations-its up to you! 

Another Halloween activity to try this year is to make a scarecrow. It is easier than it sounds and a ton of fun for the kids. Just stuff some old clothes with hay and use a pumpkin or old pillowcase for the head. You may want to take this activity outside-it can be messy! 

Have a family movie night featuring a scary movie, even if you have little ones there are still lots of not-so-scary Halloween movies out there.

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Buy some candy corn at the local grocery store for candy corn necklace making, or just to eat! Popcorn balls and caramel apples are also delicious holiday treats. 

Maybe try something new and throw a Halloween party. Neighbors, friends, and family can all gather together to celebrate by bobbing for apples and carving pumpkins - the adults can dress up too! 

Visiting a haunted house is a great way to spend a weekend night out for families with older kids. 

Fall is an eventful season and getting in the spirit of Halloween is a great way to bring families with children of all ages together to carve pumpkins, drink hot apple cider, decorate and more!