Have you ever thought why on this certain date of October 31, Halloween is said to be celebrated? Well, the holiday has origins in Celtic, Christian and American old customs, which progressively shaped the Halloween we observe today. Here is why Halloween is celebrated on this specific date and the significance behind its iconic "trick-or-treat" tradition. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Is Halloween Celebrated on October 31?
As per History.com Halloween’s origins trace back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). The Celts, who lived in what is now Ireland, the UK, and northern France, observed Samhain as the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. For them, the day marked the start of the new year and the transition between light and dark. Samhain was believed to be a night when the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to visit the earthly realm. To protect themselves from these spirits, Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes, hoping to ward off any malevolent beings.
As Christianity spread across Celtic regions, the church introduced All Saints’ Day on November 1 to honour saints and martyrs. The night before this holy day became known as All Hallows’ Eve, eventually shortened to Halloween. Over time, the Christian and Celtic influences merged, solidifying Halloween as a celebration on October 31, a blend of honouring the dead, seasonal change, and warding off dark spirits.
Halloween 2024: What Is the Significance Behind Trick or Treating?
As per National Geographic, trick-or-treating, one of Halloween’s most beloved traditions, also has deep historical roots. In medieval Britain, the practice of “souling” involved children and the poor going door-to-door on Hallowmas (November 1) offering prayers for the deceased in exchange for “soul cakes”—a type of spiced bread. This ritual was believed to bring blessings and ensure safe passage for loved ones in the afterlife.
Don't Miss:Halloween: 30+ Spooky Captions For Your Instagram Reels And Posts
As the tradition evolved, “souling” combined with the Celtic custom of dressing up to confuse spirits, leading to costumes and, later, a playful exchange of treats. When Halloween celebrations reached America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European immigrants brought these customs with them, which were soon adapted into the community-based “trick-or-treat” we recognize today.
Don't Miss:Halloween: 5 Hindi Songs To Add To Your Instagram Story To Get All The Spooky Feels
Trick-or-treating has become a family-friendly ritual enjoyed worldwide, yet it remains a symbol of Halloween’s long-standing traditions.
Image Credits: Freepik
If you liked this story, then please share it. To read more such stories, stay connected to HerZindagi.
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation