Do you know the History of Halloween?

Pagans, pumpkins and paying respects to the dead

In between costume and decoration planning, do you know what Halloween is really about? How did the trick or treating become a major part, and why the themes around death and demons? Let’s go back about 2,000 years. Long before jack-o-lanterns, superhero costumes and Hollywood A-list parties, when the Celtics, Pagans, Christians, Romans and Aztecs were holding rituals that honoured the cycle of life and death. [caption id="attachment_1259" align="aligncenter" width="714"] Source: National Geographic[/caption]

Auspicious bygone eras

In the northern hemisphere, Celtics and Pagans believed that with the end of the summer season and autumn harvest time, those who had died over the year passed to the next world. The belief was that ghosts were temporarily walking among the living and creating enigmas like killing off crops and making the people ill. The Celts called it Samhain (pronounced sow-win) where on 31 October they’d light bonfires, sing and dance, dressed in cattle hides and wear scary masks as a way of honouring the dead and requesting they pass through without causing turmoil.

The menu and decorations

• Hearty dishes and soups made from pumpkin, kale, squash, potatoes, beans and turnips were on the menu
• Nuts, basic sweets made from flour, sugar and dried fruits, and apples covered in sugar and butter were a favourite
• It was the humble turnip that was the chosen vegetable for carving into devil-faced decorations and lanterns
• They made extra food set places at tables for the deceased passing through

Roman Empire and Christian influence

The Roman Empire took over a majority of Celtic territory in later times which skirmished cultures, beliefs and the rituals and celebrations that were held by each, all which similarly recognised the passing of the dead. The rudimentary practice of bobbing for apples came from the Romans. All Hallows' Eve on 13 May (the evening before the festival of All Saints, or All Hallows Day) was significant on the Christian calendar to commemorate saints and martyrs. Let’s just say the Christians weren’t fans of Samhain and the Pagan connections, and we see how this plays out below. [caption id="attachment_1255" align="aligncenter" width="714"] Bobbing for apples[/caption]

Boycotts and banter

Did you know All Hallows Eve and Day was banned by Puritans in America, along with Christmas and Easter? Scary times, indeed! The reason? They concluded only Catholics should celebrate Catholic traditions. There was lots of banter about whose celebration was the most relevant. All Hallows Eve was moved to 1 November and included all celebrations but some saw it as a vain attempt to eclipse Samhain. But, the Celts didn’t back down and eventually time passed, values and ideas blended. Things shifted when Pope Gregory III used his influence to combine the two traditions to be held on 31 October. His other idea would go on to become renowned, instructing the town’s young men to dress as saints, knock on doors and ask for food to feed the poor. Some might call these tricks or treats.

What's in a name?

All Hallows' Day was on the 1 November. The eve of was called All Hallows' Evening. The villagers started shortening it to Hallow Evening, Hallow Eve, and then eventually, you guessed it: Hallowe'en was born.

Pop trivia: Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead)

Despite the grim name, the Aztecs hosted their own festival of the dead but with exuberant colour, floral altars, painted faces and delicious food, in celebration of loved ones who have passed. Originally an autumn harvest ritual too, the connection to Halloween comes from Spanish colonization and Catholic influence in the 16th century, when its former date in August was changed to that of All Saints Day. Day of the Dead celebrations are common in parts of America with their Mexican, Hispanic and Latino citizens. It's observed in other parts of the world too, including multicultural Australia. [caption id="attachment_1256" align="aligncenter" width="714"] Day of the Dead Festival[/caption]

Coming to America

Having arrived off the back of the potato famine, Irish immigration in the 1850’s brought a new wave of Halloween customs into neighbourhood streets, using the chance to dress up and ask their neighbours for money and food. As times got better through the ages, food and sweets were in abundance, along with the material and items for costumes and decorations.

Traditions that made a comeback

• Bobbing for apples
• Carving vegetable decorations and lanterns, especially pumpkins
• Telling ghost stories
• Exchanging fruits and sweets

[caption id="attachment_1257" align="aligncenter" width="714"] Carving pumpkins for decoration[/caption]

19th - 21st century Halloween

As more immigrants arrived, Americans got more involved in Halloweens practices, seeing the chance to get into costume, have parades, host parties and trick or treat. Horror movies were also on the rise, providing more costume and decoration inspiration, which added to the Halloween's more infamously recognised horrifying and spooky costumes. That said, with kids wanting to take part, the fearsome, haunting and superstitious side were toned down though, making it appealing to more American families, and later the world, including Australia.

Get ready for Halloween 2017

Halloween has taken off here in Australia well and truly, as we can read more about here <Boo! A scary trend in Halloween’s Australian popularity>. Your costume doesn’t have to keep to the original supernatural and spooky theme. Blossom Costumes have a colossal selection to suit every taste and budget. No matter your beliefs, Halloween festivities were once a source of togetherness and building resilience for people living in difficult times, and we continue this Halloween spirit, and the spooky kind, still today.