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Halloween, often celebrated on October 31st in many parts of the world, is a festivity with deep roots in pagan traditions. The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. During this time, it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to walk the earth. As a result, people would don costumes and light bonfires to ward off evil spirits and appease the dead.
The practice of wearing costumes during Halloween can be directly linked to the Celtic tradition of dressing up as spirits or wearing masks to confuse and ward off malevolent entities. This ritual was believed to protect individuals from harm and ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Additionally, the tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns also has pagan roots, as it was originally done to represent the spirits of the dead wandering the earth.
Another reason why Halloween is considered a pagan festivity is the prevalence of divination practices during this time. In ancient times, people would engage in divination rituals to foresee their future or communicate with the dead. This included activities such as apple bobbing, mirror gazing, and playing with tarot cards. These practices were believed to be especially potent during Samhain, when the barrier between the physical and spiritual worlds was believed to be the weakest.
The association of Halloween with witchcraft and magic further solidifies its pagan origins. Witches and warlocks were believed to be practitioners of ancient earth-based religions that honoured nature and its cycles. The image of the witch flying on a broomstick, casting spells, and brewing potions is deeply rooted in pagan beliefs and practices. The modern portrayal of witches as wicked or evil can be traced back to the Christian demonisation of these ancient practitioners.
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