Halloween is without a doubt a great period. Not just for young children but for adults as well. After all, what person doesn’t like getting decked out as his or her favorite ghoul, goblin, superhero, or bad guy, and head out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween party. Halloween is an occasion celebrated everywhere and in almost every country as there are seasonal and religious associations that are popular. It has been in existence for almost 500 years.
There is some conjecture on the origin of Halloween(not the name) but the occasion. Some historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it started as Parentalia, the “festival of the dead”. It is nevertheless, more often associated with the Celtic festival called Samhain, a Gaelic occurrence that celebrates the end of summer time.
Of course the name “Halloween” is more widely connected with the Scottish version of “All-Hallows-Eve”, or, the night prior to All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It started in 1556, and through the generations All-Hallows-Eve evolved into Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is observed globally, though not every cultures celebrate on this date. Some nations celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.
Halloween has lots of symbolism and imagery which has developed over the years and many cultures and movements have contributed to it. Most notably are the Jack-o’-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween’s official colors. Halloween has spawned an entire industry of costume manufacturers and each year the most recent trend of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings.
Additionally, there are numerous activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating has become the most preferred. Kids nationwide get dressed up and go house to house within their neighborhoods accumulating candy and sweets. There are Halloween celebrations, prank playing, games such as bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.
Popular foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland’s barmbrack that is a fruit bread.
Halloween represents the season of the harvest and the conclusion of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people claim it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.
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