HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

Pumpkins, ghosts, costumes and candy are all part of the modern Halloween tradition. But how did the holiday get its start? James Williams animates the spooky history of this ghoulish celebration.

the history of Halloween in 100 seconds

The event dates back approximately 2,000 years to a pre-Christian Celtic festival called Samhain, which translates as 'summer's end'.

On October 31, Celtics believed the souls of the dead would cross over into the 'other' world and walk among the living.

The direct link between that festival and another Celtic festival celebrated on November 1 has never been proven, but it is believed the two merged into one to form Halloween.

Trick or treating itself hailed from souling in Britain and Ireland where poor people would knock on doors and ask for food in exchange for prayers for the dead.

In the late 1800s, playing tricks was well established such as egg-throwing in the US and Canada.

Halloween Jack 'o' lanterns were introduced by Irish immigrants to America, who originally carved-out turnips and inserted candles inside them to ward off evil spirits outside their homes.