Hallowe'en is believed to have it's roots in the ancient rituals of "Samhain" (pronounced Saw-win), which is basically a Celtic new year celebration. On Samhain Eve, at the death of one year, spirits were believed to walk the earth as they travelled to the afterlife as the doors between the two worlds opened. The spirits could be those of ancestors but also included demons, fairies and other such creatures.
Traditions of the event included large bonfires and dressing in animal skins to hide from the evil spirits, and the wearing of masks and costumes to impersonate predeceased ancestors. Revelers would also go door to door, engaging in silly acts and pranks while seeking food and drink from those who had left offerings out for the spirits, a likely inspiration for our modern day trick or treating.
Since Christian leaders were good at co-opting Pagan holidays to gain followers, they labelled this occasion as All Saint's Day or All Hallowed Eve, which translates to what we now call Hallowe'en of course.
Traditions of the event included large bonfires and dressing in animal skins to hide from the evil spirits, and the wearing of masks and costumes to impersonate predeceased ancestors. Revelers would also go door to door, engaging in silly acts and pranks while seeking food and drink from those who had left offerings out for the spirits, a likely inspiration for our modern day trick or treating.
Since Christian leaders were good at co-opting Pagan holidays to gain followers, they labelled this occasion as All Saint's Day or All Hallowed Eve, which translates to what we now call Hallowe'en of course.
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