Saturday, September 1, 2012

History And Tradition of Halloween Holiday

By Bill Johnson


Halloween is a great time of the year. Not only for kids but for men and women as well. After all, what person doesn't love getting dressed up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and head out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween occasion. Halloween is an event observed around the globe and in almost every nation. There are seasonal and religious connections and has been in existence for almost 500 years.

There's some conjecture at the beginning of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. A few researchers link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Other individuals believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is however, more often linked to the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occasion that honors the end of summertime.

Of course the name "Halloween" is more generally linked with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the evening before All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It started in 1556, and through the ages All-Hallows-Eve evolved into Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is commemorated world wide, however not all cultures celebrate on this date. Some countries celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.

Halloween has plenty of symbolism and imagery that's evolved through the years and a lot of sub cultures and movements have led to it. Most particularly are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and every year the latest trend of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings.

There's also many activities that have become traditions of Halloween. Trick-or-treating has become the most popular. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house in their neighborhoods accumulating candy and goodies. There are Halloween parties, prank playing, games such as bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.

Favorite foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's Barmbrack that is a fruit bread.

Halloween represents the season of the harvest and the end of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people claim it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the beginning of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.




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