It's that time of the year when eating candy, dressing up and mutilating perfectly edible pumpkins is encouraged – but what exactly are we celebrating on Halloween?
ORIGINS
Although the origin of the word Halloween is Christian, this festivity is commonly thought to have pagan roots.
The word 'Halloween' was first used in the 16th Century as a contraction of All Hallows' Evening, the eve of the Western Christian holy day of commemorating saints.
While according to some folklorists, Halloween traces its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona -- the goddess of fruits and seeds -- or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a Gaelic festival that marks the end of harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year – winter. Shamhain was held on October 31 and November 1.
The Celts believed the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred on the Celtic New Year.
It is also believed that Halloween has Christian influences from All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. All Saints' Day is also known as All Hallows' Evening and falls on November 1 each year. This holy day is followed by All Souls' Day the next day, to honour the dead.
All Saints was introduced in the year 609, but was originally celebrated on May 13. In 835, it was switched to November 1, the same date as Samhain, at the behest of Pope Gregory IV.
By the end of the 12th century they had become holy days of obligation across Europe and involved such traditions as ringing bells for the souls in purgatory.
CUSTOMS
During All Souls' Day in England, the poor, mostly children, went from door to door begging for food. Families baked and shared 'soul cakes' with them in return for their prayers for a dead relative – possibly the origin of trick-or-treating.
The tradition of wearing costumes most likely originated from Christians who wore masks or costumes in order to conceal their identities.
Jack-o'-lanterns are believed to have origins from children placing candles in skulls in graveyards to represent souls in purgatory. Turnips, instead of pumpkins, were later carved to represent these souls and protect oneself from them.
HOW IT SPREAD TO NORTH AMERICA
There is no evidence of Halloween celebrations until the 19th Century in North America until the many Irish migrants fleeing from the Potato famine introduced it to Americans.
However, it still remained mainly confined to the immigrant communities until it slowly assimilated into mainstream society in the early 1990's.
In the late 1800s, Halloween was transformed into a holiday focusing on community rather than ghosts and witchcraft, and 'frightening' or 'grotesque' elements were discouraged.
But by the mid 1900s, trick-or-treating returned and giving candy to children was thought to be a great way for families to prevent pranks.
HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?
• North America: One of North America's largest festivities, Halloween is celebrated with trick-or-treating, decorating, costume parties, fireworks, and city parades. However, New York's annual Village Halloween Parade was cancelled for the first time in its 39-year history due to the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy.
• Australia: Due to increasing American influence, Halloween is gradually gaining momentum here. According to the Australian National Retailers Association, supermarkets are expecting a 25 to 30 per cent growth in sales of costumes and confectionery this year.
• Ireland and Scotland: On Halloween night, adults and children dress up as creatures from the underworld such as ghosts and zombies. Bobbing for apples and decorating houses with pumpkins and candles is very popular along with trick-or-treating which is known as 'guising.'
• England: Bobbing for apples, making toffee apples and apple tarts are very popular however there has been recent concern as many cases of houses being “egg-bombed” or lit fireworks posted through the letterbox have been reported.
• Asia: Due to the prevalence of Western influence, countries like Japan and South Korea celebrate Halloween with decorations and costume parties. Traditional alternatives exist in Hong Kong where there's Yue Lan (Ghost Festival) where foods and gifts are offered to the deceased, however Halloween is celebrated particularly by younger generations.
