Traditions of Halloween
Traditions of Halloween
The word Halloween comes from the word All Hallows Eve. This
is the day before All Hallows Day 1st November or All Saints Day.
In Celtic Ireland summer officially ended on 31 st October this was
called Samhain. People believed that the spirits of the dead
would return
Some believed the spirits would haunt them or possess them
were as others believed they were spirits of loved ones. Some
would extinguish their fires and lamps to make their homes
uninviting were as others would
Stoke their fires light the house and even leave out offering to
welcome the dead. The ancient Celts believed that on October 31,
the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead
overlapped and the deceased would come back to life and
cause havoc such as sickness or damaged crop. The festivals
would frequently involve bonfires. It is believed that the fires
attracted insects to the area which attracted bats. People would
wear masks and costumes were in an attempt to mimic the evil
spirits or appease them.
The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday
to remember, honor and pray for family and friends who have
died. It is on the 1st November and is a bank holiday. People visit
cemeteries and build alters leaving favorite food and drinks to
encourage the souls to return. People also wear shells and bells
on costumes to make noise to wake the dead. Elaborately
decorated skulls and skull masks are commonly used to
celebrate. People buy sugar skulls with the names of departed
loved ones written on them.
El Dia de los Muertos is a joyous and happy holiday in Spain
to remember family and friends who have departed. The dead
are believed to return to their homes on Halloween, many
families construct an altar in their home and decorate it with
candy, flowers, photographs, fresh water and samples of the
deceased's favorite foods and drinks. Frequently, a basin and
towel are left out in order that the spirit can wash prior to
indulging in the feast. Candles and incense are burned to help
the departed find their way home. Relatives also tidy the
gravesites, snipping weeds, making repairs and painting. The
graves are adorned with flowers, wreaths or paper streamers.