The story behind Halloween

Halloween is popular for many reasons. Kids love the opportunity to get candy, adults love the chance to get scared, and everyone loves the time to dress up a bit. How did this all start, though? And why? The history goes back a long way, all the way to the 9th century in Ireland and Scotland.

The end of October in the British Isles, much like here, starts to get a little chilly. Temperatures started to dip, and for centuries, this time of year marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the winter months: days grew shorter and colder, there was nothing left to harvest, and wild animals were even more scarce. On top of that, according to Celtic mythology, there were other dangers.

The tradition states that during this time, the boundary between the mortal world and that of the dead and aos sí (fairies) was thinned, meaning that they could interfere with the day-to-day of people living in that area. To appease both the dead, and the aos sí, the ancient Celts would host parties, enact sacrifices, and celebrate the harvest to ensure a safe winter.

Part of these celebrations included “guising,” or, as it is known today, trick-or-treating. Ancient Celts really would dress up, perhaps to fool the fairies, and go door to door, and sing in exchange for food or treats. Thus, they would provide a trick (singing) in exchange for a treat. 

Pranks were also pulled at this time, in addition to, according to some scholars, the carving of Jack o’ Lanterns made out of turnips or other root vegetables to light the way of “guisers” as they went about their way. Though there was a shift during the Christianization of Scotland and Ireland, traditions like these were still prevalent in the region.

With the introduction of All Hallows Eve, a precursor to the name for Halloween, the focus shifted to something more akin to the familiar Hispanic festival, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. All Hallows Eve was a night to pay homage to all saints (another name being All Saints Day), as well as deceased relatives. 

Thus, the imagery of skeletons and ghosts became synonymous with the end of October and the Beginning of November. Over time and with religious diversification, the association with a religious holiday drifted and became the secular Halloween that many are more familiar with today, however, the familiar motifs still remain.

So, this year, as you go about the season, you’ll know why there are skeletons, and ghosts on people’s houses, why kids go out trick or treating, why we dress up, and even why it’s celebrated at this time of year. Whatever you choose to celebrate the day now, however, we hope you have a Happy Halloween! λ