History And Tradition of Halloween Holiday

By Bill Johnson

Halloween certainly an exciting season. Not simply for small children but for grown ups likewise. After all, who doesn't get pleasure from getting dolled up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, hero, or bad guy, and step out trick-or-treating or even to a Halloween celebration. Halloween can be an event celebrated worldwide and in nearly every region as there are seasonal and religious links that are widespread. It has existed for pretty much 500 years.

There's some conjecture at the beginning of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. A few researchers link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Other individuals believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is however, more often linked to the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occasion that honors the end of summertime.

Certainly the name "Halloween" is more popularly related to the Scottish variant of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night prior to All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and through the generations All-Hallows-Eve evolved into Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and it is recognized worldwide, though not all cultures commemorate on this date. A few nations around the world celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.

Halloween has plenty of symbolism and imagery that's evolved through the years and a lot of sub cultures and movements have led to it. Most particularly are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and every year the latest trend of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings.

There's also many activities that have become traditions of Halloween. Trick-or-treating has become the most popular. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house in their neighborhoods accumulating candy and goodies. There are Halloween parties, prank playing, games such as bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.

Popular foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Several other cultures have traditional foods they prepare for example Ireland's barmbrack which is a fruit bread.

Halloween marks the season of the harvest and the end of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people assert it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.

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