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October 20, 2024 | 12:02 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is a holiday steeped in mystery and tradition. The history can be traced back thousands of years, making it one of the most fascinating festivals in modern culture.
Understanding the origins of Halloween not only reveals how we celebrate today but also highlights the evolution of the holiday.
Read on to learn more about the historical background of Halloween and things associated with the spooky season, as taken from Today.com and Britannica.
History of Halloween
The history of Halloween in the United States can be traced back to the 19th century, when Irish immigrants brought their traditions with them, including the celebration of All Saints' Day. The holiday, celebrated on November 1, honored those who had ascended to heaven. The night before, known as Halloween, became a time of vigil and prayer for souls believed to be trapped in purgatory.
Its history is also intertwined with the Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when the ancient Celts celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. They told ghostly tales and marked the transition into the darker months.
Ultimately, Halloween as we know it today is a blend of both Samhain and All Saints' Day traditions. While the holiday began to gain traction in the U.S. in the late 1800s, it exploded in popularity in the early 1900s.
The origin of the name "Halloween"
The origin of Halloween is linked to “All Hallows’ Eve,” which refers to the evening before All Saints’ Day. This connection to the Christian calendar underscores Halloween's historical background in the Celtic festival of Samhain.
When we break down the word "Halloween," it combines two Scottish terms: "hallow," meaning "holy," and "een," meaning "evening. Thus, Halloween can be interpreted as "holy evening," reflecting its origins as a time to honor saints and the souls of the dead.
The meaning behind Halloween traditions
1. Jack o'Lanterns
One of the most iconic Halloween traditions is the carving of the Jack o'Lantern. The tradition dates back to the Irish tale of Stingy Jack, a clever man who tricked the devil. When he died, Jack was denied entry to both Heaven and Hell and was forced to wander the earth with only a carved turnip containing a candle for light.
This story led to the practice of carving lanterns out of turnips to ward off evil spirits. When Irish immigrants came to America, they discovered that pumpkins were easier to carve, solidifying the pumpkin's place in Halloween.
2. Trick-or-treat
According to National Geographic, trick-or-treating has its origins in the 16th century practice of "souling." During All Hallows Eve in England, the poor would go door to door asking for food in exchange for prayers. Children eventually adopted the custom, often receiving cakes marked with crosses, called "soul cakes.
As Halloween grew in popularity in the 1900s, the tradition evolved. Adults found it easier to hand out candy instead of cake, leading to the modern practice of trick-or-treating that we know today.
3. Costumes
The wearing of costumes on Halloween stems from the belief that dressing up as a ghost or spirit would protect individuals from the real ghosts that roam the earth on Samhain. Over time, this evolved into the festive practice of dressing up as various characters, from scary monsters to popular figures. Today, Halloween costumes allow for creativity and self-expression, making it one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday.
4. Black and orange colors
The colors of Halloween - black and orange - carry significant meanings rooted in its history. Black symbolizes night, reflecting the holiday's name, "een" or "evening," as well as things associated with Halloween, such as black bats and cats. Orange, on the other hand, represents the color of pumpkins. Together, these colors embody the image of Halloween.
Embracing the rich history of Halloween and its cultural significance can enhance your experience and allow you to celebrate the holiday with greater appreciation.
Today.com | Britannica | National Geographic
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