Children, and adults alike, absolutely love Halloween. Most people, however, are simply unaware of the history of Halloween. Where does it come from? Why do we still celebrate it today? Is there a reason why children dress up in fun Halloween costumes and go door to door begging for candy?
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The History of Halloween
We can actually trace the origins of Halloween back to the ancient Celtic festival called Samhain. This festival was typically held on October 31st and traditionally represented the end of harvest. It also marked the end of the sunnier side of the year and the beginning of the darkness! For the most part Samhaim was a time for people to take an inventory of their livestock and food supplies in preparation for the coming winter.
Large bonfires were created and from these flames individual households would light their hearths; which helped create a lasting bond between neighboring families.
Why We Wear Halloween Costumes
Perhaps the most enduring, longest lasting of the Celtic traditions was the act of wearing costumes and masks. Basically this was a clever attempt to appease or even look like the evil spirits that they believed become stronger during the second half of the year. Many young men even went as far as to dress in white clothing, mask or paint their face black and go around town impersonating the dead.
Why We Carve Pumpkins
Another rather interesting tradition involved hollowing out large turnips and carving scary faces into them. These faces were then placed in the windows of the villager’s houses and were widely believed to be effective in warding off these evil spirits. In North America, pumpkins are typically used as they are much more readily accessible and much largers; making it easier to carve than even the biggest turnip would be.
The Imagery of Halloween
Halloween is one of those holidays that simply cannot be mistaken for another! It’s influence is derived from a wide range of sources. Gothic and horror works of fiction, such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Frankenstein, played a large role in shaping common perceptions. Classic Halloween characters such as witches, ghost, vampires, cats, and skeletons all have been dramatically influenced by magic, death, and the occult.
Why Kids Go Trick or Treating
Most children, of course, love Halloween for one reason, and one reason alone; THE CANDY. Trick or treating can also trace its origins to 16th century Scotland. Children then would go from house to house wearing costumes, carrying carved turnips, and offering entertainment in return for food or money. Kids would ask ‘trick or treat?’ implying that if they did not receive a treat then some form of mischief was happen to that household at a later date. In some parts of Scotland, children are still required to perform some song, dance, or activity in order to receive their treat. This sounds like a wonderful idea to me!
Unique Halloween Costume Ideas
Now that you understand where Halloween comes from you should understand why it has been modified over the years. The western world has turned this amazing holiday into a real celebration of fun and frivolity. Adults now enjoy dressing up and attending costume parties just as much as their kids do. The cool thing is that we are no longer limited in our costume choice to those costumes that might help us ward off evil spirits.
We are now free to dress in outfits that make us feel beautiful, strong, or even sexy. If you are looking for a unique costume alternative for your party this year, consider dressing in a rough and tough, cool as ice, female gangster costume.
