New Delhi: Halloween is a widely celebrated festival known for its spooky costumes and festivities. It has a rich history with roots in the traditions of both pagan and Christianity. It is a day that has evolved over time. Did you know that Halloween is observed on a specific date? Read on to learn about the significance behind the ‘trick-or-treat’ tradition.
Why is Halloween celebrated on October 31?
Halloween, the word itself, comes from the term “All Hallows’ Eve” and means the evening before All Saints’ Day. During the 4th century, All Saints’ Day was celebrated on May 13, but Pope Gregory III later moved the day to November 1. The shift in date was accompanied by the establishment of All Hallows’ Eve on October 31.
According to several reports, Halloween’s origins date back more than 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic Festival Samhain, which is pronounced ‘sow-in’. The Celts who lived in Ireland, the UK, and northern France observed Samhain at the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
The day marked the beginning of a new year and the transition between light and dark. According to reports, Samhain was a night when the boundary between the living and the dead seemed to disappear, allowing spirits to visit the earthly realm.
Celts, to protect themselves from the spirits, would light bonfires and wear costumes, hoping to ward off any malevolent beings.
