The History Of Halloween
The holiday known as Halloween, originated with two separate festivals, the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) and the Christian’s All Saints Day. Celts celebrated “Samhain” (Summer’s End) as far back as 2,000 years ago. This was the time when they held festivals celebrating the dead, the harvest and the beginning of the new year (November 1st). The Celts believed that on the night before the new year the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead was at it’s thinnest. On that night it was believed that the dead returned as ghosts. At sun-down people donned costumes and masks, huge bonfires were lit, people gathered around, many dancing around the fire, and sacrifices were made. All to pay tribute to the Celtic deities. After the celebration each family took a piece of lit wood or coal home to light their fires. People would leave offerings of food and wine outside in-front of their doors
Continue reading →