Spooky fun of Halloween

These days kids from all over the world are dressing up in scary costumes, and on October 31st which is called ‘Halloween,’ they will be knocking on people’s doors hoping to fill their baskets full of candy/sweets. But what is the meaning behind the tradition of Halloween?

Halloween, which is usually celebrated in North America, is a combination of two festivals - the Celtic new year festival of Samhain, a day the Celtics believed the veil between the world of the living and the dead was lowered and the spirits could visit, very much like Mexico’s Day Of The Dead (Like in Disney’s Coco) which eventually merged with the Christian holy day All Hallows’ Day. All Hallows Day became All Hallows Eve, which in turn became Halloween!

Knocking on people’s doors and asking for a treat is usually connected to the old custom of ‘souling’. In souling, the poor will go from house to house, begging for food. Over time it changed to guising, and kids used to dress in costumes and dance, sing or perform something in exchange for fruit or money. The phrase “Trick or treat” implies that if a treat (like candy) is given, then the children will not perform a “trick” or prank on the owner of the house!

Jack o’lanterns are one of the most well-known images of Halloween and the legend is that an old farmer named Stingy Jack was not allowed to enter both heaven and hell after his death and his soul wandered in the darkness. He carved a lantern out of a turnip and used coal to light his way and guide his soul and the Celtics kept the tradition alive by putting lanterns outside their houses to guide lost souls home during Samhain. Traditionally, Jack-o’-lanterns were made using pumpkins. Later, Jack-o’-lanterns were also made from beets, potatoes and turnips. However, these days, people are also using pineapples!

Enjoy the spooky fun of Halloween and remember to keep an eye out for any spirits that may be visiting on this special night!