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Carving Pumpkins and Trick-or-Treating: The Haunting History of Halloween
27 Oct
Summary
- Halloween celebrated annually on October 31 in the US
- Originated over 2,000 years ago from Celtic festival of Samhain
- Pumpkin carving for jack-o'-lanterns began with Irish immigrants
Halloween, one of the most popular holidays in the United States, is celebrated every year on October 31. The festival has a long and fascinating history, tracing its roots back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain in Ireland and nearby regions.
The Celts marked the end of the harvest season on October 31 and believed that on this night, the line between the living and the dead became blurred. They lit bonfires and wore costumes to keep away wandering spirits. When the Romans conquered the Celtic lands, they combined two of their own festivals with Samhain, creating the foundation for the modern-day celebration.
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III declared November 1 as All Saints' Day, and the night before, October 31, became known as All Hallows' Eve, which later shortened to Halloween. Over time, Christian and ancient Celtic customs blended together, shaping the holiday we know today.
One of the most iconic Halloween traditions is carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns. This custom originated from an old Irish legend about Stingy Jack, a man who tricked the devil. When Irish immigrants arrived in America, they discovered that pumpkins were easier to carve than turnips, and the tradition of pumpkin carving was born.
