For many people, October means one thing and one thing only: Halloween. The mere mention of this holiday conjures up images of weird stories, desserts, and hideous costumes. This was the age of horror movies, haunted houses, and, of course, Heidi clones.
While modern Halloween is full of contrived creepiness, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, the history of Halloween is as interesting as it is complex, with roots spanning centuries, continents, cultures and traditions, filled with seasonal significance, spiritual significance and bone-chilling horror.
Below, we’ll take you through the fascinating history of Halloween, from its pagan origins to today. You’ll never look at black cat costumes and candy corn the same way again.
How did Halloween begin?
Halloween dates back at least 2,000 years to the Celtic pagan festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-un”). Samhain actually means “November” in Irish; according to tradition, Samhain begins on October 31st and is celebrated with campfires, music, dancing and banquets.
If that sounds more fun than weird, consider this: the celebration commemorates the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter—the time when the cycle of life and death is of utmost concern. Dan Morris, host of the History Podcast, points out: “This is when the darkness begins to overpower the sun and the days become shorter.” Trace the path. “This phenomenon gives rise to the idea that the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest. [then]inviting the dead back to visit their living.
Sound creepy? People who currently practice pagan traditions don’t necessarily see it that way. “While the festival does center on harvest and death, many pagans believe this is a natural part of the life cycle; just as spring rises after winter, our souls are reincarnated after learning the lessons of the afterlife, explains Jason Myers, pastor of the Cabot Kent Temple of Hermes in Salem, Massachusetts. “Many modern witches and pagans express positive intentions at Samhain to receive blessings in the coming year.”
season of the soul
Although Halloween in the United States can be traced back to Samhain, it wasn’t just the ancient Celts who honored the liminal energy of the Mid-Autumn Festival. “Across cultures, traditions and locations, it is believed that the veil between worlds thins during this time of year,” says astrologer Chani Nichols, adding, 10 September 31st is also of great astronomical significance, as it marks the midpoint between the September equinox and the spring equinox. Such midpoints can’t help but draw our attention to change: “As the light changes, it provides a vantage point deeper into the transitional season.”
