This Is Halloween: The Origins And History Of Our Favorite Holiday
Halloween is our favorite holiday, but have you ever wondered how it came to be? Let us fill you in. 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 from Britain and Ireland 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 its 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 with many dancing around the fire, as sacrifices were made. All to pay tribute to the Celtic deities. After the celebration, each family took
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