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Halloween has become more globally recognized, but not many people really know its origins. Historically the holiday is thought to originate from a very old festival called ‘Samhain’. This festival dates as far back as 2,000 years ago. Samhain was celebrated by the Celts who mostly lived in Ireland and England.
The Celts believed that on October 31st the boundary between the living and the dead would weaken. People would light bonfires and hearth fires to frighten away evil spirits. They would also wear masks to hide themselves from mischievous evil spirits.
Later Romans from the south conquered the area and the festival of ‘Feralia’ was incorporated. This Roman festival commemorated the passing of the dead as well as honor the Roman goddess of the harvest Pomona.
Later Catholic power reigned throughout Europe and All Saint’s Day was further incorporated into the October 31st festivities. All Saint’s Day was added on November 1st and October 31st became ‘Hollowed Eve” (This means ‘a preceding consecrated day’).
Over time it was brought to America and became the holiday we all know today. What do you think of Halloween? Can you see any of its historical roots today?
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