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Are you someone who celebrates Halloween? Have you ever wondered out of nowhere how Halloween started and where it originated? It began with old Celtic customs and spread throughout the world by wearing scary costumes, spooky decorations, and Halloween events. In some countries, it’s celebrated every October 31.
The word “All Hallows’ Eve” came from Scotland, which means the evening before All Saints’ Day, and is said to be the source of the name. In Celtic cultures, it means the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. Also, people believed that the curtain between the living and the dead was thin during this time, allowing spirits to come again to the earthly realm.
The Celts would light bonfires and dress in costumes to disguise themselves as ghosts, goblins, and other supernatural creatures believed to ward off evil spirits. Because of this, wearing costumes has become the central element of Halloween celebrations today.
Presently, Halloween has become a popular holiday for children and adults. Trick-or-treating is a favorite tradition with children all dressed up in costumes and collecting candy and treats door-to-door. Receiving a bag full of sweets excites them. The way Halloween is celebrated by adults is Halloween parties that also have spooky decorations, themed food and drinks, and upbeat music. Costume contests are often held with prizes for the most creative and impressive costumes. Halloween became popular in video games, TV series, and films. It also became customary to watch scary movies and visit haunted houses, which provided thrills and excitement to those looking for fear.
Although it’s primarily connected to scary themes, it also has a lighter side, such as pumpkin carving competitions in some other countries. Individuals of all ages would display their creative side. Known by their carved names, Jack-o’-Lanterns—so named because they are said to have glowing faces—became a Halloween icon and are typically seen outside on porches and windowsills.
The holiday has become more well-known outside of its traditional Western roots in recent years. Some countries adopted local traditions and customs, like Mexico’s Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos). It is a colorful festival held in memory of the departed. Even though the focus is on paying respect to the deceased, there are some similarities to the customs of Halloween, such as the use of altars and offerings.
Therefore, regardless of whether you like the spooky or lighter aspects, everyone can enjoy Halloween in many ways. Speaking of enjoyable things to do, here’s a list of Halloween-themed things you can do with loved ones.
The classic Halloween activities are trick-or-treating, costume parties, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving. Trick or treating is a typical activity that people of all ages enjoy. Not only do they get candies, they get to enjoy the day out with their friends or families. Costume parties are usually held at someone’s home; nowadays, there are costume parties in different venues that fit all ages or certain ages depending on the venue of the party.
Haunted houses can be found in theme parks, usually like Disneyland, but there are places like clubhouses that become haunted houses for a day, and those who live there have the option to work as scarers or go inside the haunted house. This is usually available for the people who live there, so they don’t need to travel far.
Pumpkin carving is an event that usually happens in the United States. When a pumpkin is carved, they’d call it Jack-o’-lanterns. This originated in Ireland and Britain. Back in the 19th century, they used turnips or mangel wurzels as lanterns in some parts of Ireland, Wales, and the Scottish Highlands. Halloween was viewed as a festival of Samhain, a time when supernatural beings roamed around the earth—jack-o’-lanterns were used to ward them off. This legend has been documented in various sources, including the Dublin Penny Journal, Limerick Chronicle, and Worcestershire, England.
A budget-friendly activity is to have a DIY Halloween activity in the comfort of your own home by creating Halloween decorations, baking, and a movie night as well with your friends or family.
Joining events on Halloween such as parades, carnivals, and festivals is another way to celebrate the day. If there are any parades where you’re from, you can join in with your costumes or watch the parade. In carnivals, you can enjoy the rides and food that are Halloween-themed. If you’re looking for something more lively, a festival that is Halloween-themed might be for you.
You can also do activities such as scavenger hunts, dinner parties, game nights, and photo shoots with your friends or family. Additionally, if you find yourself in a casino for this year’s Halloween, check out Spin Genie’s Halloween-themed bingo.
Hope you all have a happy Halloween!