Halloween
Halloween is considered to be one of the most important days for ghosts and
spirits around the world, and especially in the United Kingdom. While it is
true that Halloween is a special day for those who celebrate this sort of dark
world, the fact of the matter is that there are several traditional reasons for
this celebration as well. From the fact that Halloween is the day before All
Saints Day to the fact that it is closely connected with many pagan holidays in
Ireland, Halloween in the UK has a special significance.
While Halloween is not only celebrated in the UK but also in countries such
as Canada and the United States, the reasons for this celebration vary greatly.
Some people take the holiday to just relax and enjoy a fun time. Others tend to
gravitate towards the darker celebrations which include activities involving
ghosts and spirits.
For most however, the idea of
having a Halloween holiday is one which involves a few standard activities, all
of which can be attributed to fun and entertainment.
Contributed by Helen Snadina
Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for children on Halloween. Children go in costume from house to house, asking for treats such as candy (sweets) or sometimes money, with the question, "Trick or treat?" The word "trick" refers to a "threat" to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given.
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Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.
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