Do You Know The History Behind Halloween Traditions?
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Halloween, also known as ‘All Hallows Eve’ or ‘All Saints' Day’, is a celebration now observed in many countries. It is the beginning of ‘All Hallows Tide’, a time of the year in the Christian calendar dedicated to remembering the deceased.
The English word Halloween comes from ‘All Hallows Eve’. This is the evening before the Christian holy day, All Hallows Day on the 1st of November and All Souls’ Day on the 2nd of November.
After the persecution of the Christian’s in the Roman Empire, there were more Martyrs than days in the year, and so one day was set aside in honour of them all.
There was evidence that by 800, churches in Northumbria were holding feasts in honour of All Saints. All Souls’ Day was used as a feast day as well to honour all deceased Christians around the globe. By the end of the 12th century, it had become a holy day of obligation, requiring church attendance.
It involved traditions of ringing a bell for souls in purgatory. All Hallows' Tide had the traditions of baking and sharing soul cakes with each other. This is suggested to be the origin of trick-or-treating.
Christian Minister, Prince Sorie Conteh, linked wearing Costumes to the belief of vengeful souls: it is believed deceased souls would wander the earth until All Saints’ Day and All Hallows' Eve provided one last chance for the dead to gain their vengeance. To not be recognised, people would wear masks to disguise themselves from the souls wanting revenge on them.
In Britain, these costumes came under attack due to the Reformation.
In the 18th and 19th centuries in rural Lancashire, Catholic families would gather on hills for one person to hold burning straw on a pitchfork, while the rest would kneel down and pray for the souls of relatives and friends until the flames went out.
The costumes we wear today are also believed to be influenced by folk costumes and Celtic countries, some of which are believed to have Pagan roots.
Household rituals would consist of divination, rituals and games to foretell one’s future, customs of apple-bobbing, nut roasting and many others.
