Halloween
How many people believe that Halloween originated in America? How much do we all really know about Halloween if we take away the parties, pumpkins, ghosts and trick or treating? I always thought it was something vaguely to do with paganism. But as we never really celebrated Halloween in South Africa, I didn’t look into it too much. It was only when we arrived in the UK, that we joined in the Halloween celebrations and trick or treating. It was something new to us. The celebratory, party vibe was infectious. But most of all, I loved dressing up my then baby (who is going to be 9 on Wednesday).
History of Halloween
Halloween actually originated in Britain and Europe (according to BBC and Discovery). It was part of Celtic religion. Celtics celebrated their New Year on 1 November. It was also the day that autumn switched to winter. The day that the veil between the living and dead was at it’s thinnest and that dead could basically walk amongst the living. The Celts had a festival on this day called Samhain. People who died in the last year, travelled to the next world on this day. To help them get there, bonfires were lit by the living and some even say that the living threw treats at the dead to keep them at bay.
Later Christians transformed the religious practice of the Celts and decided to call 1 November All Saints Day. Their aim was that people worshipped the saints on All Saints Day, rather than the dead on Samhain. However, this didn’t work. All Saints Day became All Hallows, and the evening before All Hallows (which would’ve been Samhain), became Halloween.
So how did Halloween become more popular in America than Britain? The simple answer – Irish immigrants went to America and took the tradition with them. There is a lot more history of how Halloween evolved in America, but I won’t go into all that for now.
Halloween Controversy
There are so many opinions on Halloween at the moment. And some very heated discussions and arguments on social media at the moment surrounding mainly Christianity and how much Halloween goes against the principles of Christianity. I’m not commenting on this topic directly. However, in my opinion, there is so much wrong with the world today and Halloween is something that my boys look forward to – dressing up, decorating the house and trick or treating. There are so many TV programmes, games and toys that all represent monsters and ghouls, that for them it’s just a bit of fun. There are so many holidays that are celebrated and their true meaning forgotten, why should Halloween be any different?! But each to their own and I think if nothing else comes out of the arguments on social media, why not try be more respectful of other people’s opinions, even if you don’t agree….
Have a great Halloween to those that ‘celebrate’ 🙂
Leanne du Plessis
Camberley Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer
07522 554 093
www.leannedpphotography.co.uk