Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, has roots that go back thousands of years. Its meaning has evolved over time, blending ancient traditions, religious observances, and modern customs:

 

Ancient Origins (Celtic Samhain):

The holiday began with the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"), marking the end of harvest and the start of winter.

Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead was thinnest on this night, allowing spirits to cross over. People lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off wandering ghosts.

 

Christian Influence (All Hallows’ Eve):

In the 8th century, the Catholic Church established All Saints’ Day on November 1st to honor saints and martyrs.

The night before was called All Hallows’ Eve, which eventually shortened to "Halloween."

 

Modern Meaning:

Today, Halloween is both a cultural and secular celebration. It’s associated with dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, haunted houses, and spooky decorations.

For many, it’s a fun holiday centered on community, imagination, and entertainment, rather than its religious or spiritual roots.

In short: Halloween started as a way to mark the transition from summer to winter and to honor or ward off spirits, but today it’s mainly about fun, costumes, and candy.

 

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