The History of Halloween
And its spooky traditions
Beloved by children and adults, Halloween is a celebration observed in many countries around the world. We know it as scary costumes, carved pumpkins and an abundance of candy. But where did this mischievous holiday come from? Like many holidays, Halloween has a religious backstory.
The Celts and Samhain
Historians believe that Halloween as we know it now picked up many of its traditions from the pagan festival, Samhain. This Celtic festival, celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark winter months. It was thought that the barrier between this world and the spirit world dissolved during this time, allowing both good and bad spirits to roam the land, causing mischief and fright. These spirits were offered food and drink to ensure the people and livestock survived the cold season. The souls of dead kin were thought to revisit their homes and a place at the table would be set for them during a meal. Other traditions included lighting bonfires, whose flames had protective and cleansing properties, and divination games, often involving the subject of death or marriage.
Christian Influences
The word "Halloween" is in reference to All Hallows' Eve, the night before All Hallows' Day or All Saints Day, which is November 1st, followed by All Souls' Day on November 2nd. This stretch of time is used in Western Christianity to honor all saints and martyrs, and to pray for the recently departed souls. As far back as the 12th century, it was customary to ring church bells for the souls in purgatory and to parade the streets, calling on the faithful to remember the dead.
Costumes and Trick or Treating
During Samhain, people dressed in scary costumes to ward off evil spirits. This time represented a last chance to gain vengeance on enemies before spirits transitioned back to their world. Therefore, people wore masks so as not to be recognized by any spirits meaning harm. Trick or treating has both secular and religious ties. In Scotland and Ireland, the custom of dressing up and going door to door is called "guising." The popular phrase, "Trick or Treat?", was really a threat to do mischief to the person's property if a treat was not given. In the Christian tradition, it was known as "souling." Groups of children, often poor, would go door to door accepting soul cakes in exchange for praying for the dead. These sweets were usually marked with a cross on top to signify that they were alms, or charity given to the poor.
Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkins generally don't grow well in Ireland... but turnips do. This root vegetable was the original jack-o'-lantern. Allegedly, there is a legend about a man named Stingy Jack, a drunkard who trapped the devil multiple times. In exchange for his release, Jack's soul wouldn't go to Hell. But when he died, he wasn't admitted to Heaven either and instead was forced to roam the Earth as a ghost for eternity. The devil gave him a hollowed out turnip with a burning coal inside to light his way. Hence the tradition of jack-o'-lanterns started. Ugly faces were carved into them to ward off evil spirits in the night, including Stingy Jack.
Other Spooky and Fun Traditions
Black cats were commonly associated with the devil during the Middle Ages. Later, they were often tied to witches. People believed these cats were a witch's "familiar"- supernatural beings that would help perform dark magic.
Bats were most likely present, literally, at early Samhain festivals because of the bonfires. Fires attract insects which in turn attract bats. This is how they became associated with the celebration. Later in the middle ages, bats became known as a symbol of death and misfortune, further solidifying their symbolism in Halloween for years to come.
Candy Corn and candy in general was a later addition to Halloween. Trick or treaters often received things like fruit, nuts, coins or toys. Its rise in popularity in the 1950s encouraged candy companies to market individually wrapped pieces. First favored for their convenience, these turned into the norm after parents started to fear anything unwrapped. Candy corn, the super sweet confection shaped like corn kernels, was introduced in 1898. Originally considered an autumnal candy in general, candy corn became linked to Halloween specifically at the same time trick or treating grew in popularity. Initially, it was called "Chicken Feed" and sold in boxes with the slogan, "Something worth crowing for!"
Who knew Halloween had such an interesting history?
You may not be able to light bonfires but you can certainly light candles! At Sensorium Emporium, we have a delightful selection of fall scents to choose from, as well as autumnal soaps like Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Pie, Orange Clove, and spooky Halloween soaps.
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