The Origins of Halloween

Halloween

As we near Halloween, we get our costumes ready, our pumpkins carved, and horror films on the Netflix list saved. Halloween is a universally celebrated holiday that is enjoyed by people around the world. In the past, however, it was a time that was feared by some. Some people believed it was the day where the boundaries of the spirit world and our own were weakened. Others believed it was a day where supernatural events would be possible. 

Halloween's origins come from the ancient festival of Samhain. This Celtic festival originated in Ireland and Scotland. This was a time when bonfires were lit, costumes were worn and treats were left out to appease or ward off harmful entities. It was common for the Druids to build huge sacred bonfires where they would burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic or Pagan gods. 

This day later became a day to celebrate Saints, and evolved further to trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, wearing costumes, and eating treats. Though some of the traditions from Samhain were kept, or incorporated differently.

We at ASASonline encourage all to have an amazing, safe, Halloween! Whether it be gathering with friends, watching a horror movie, or tick-or-treating.