Miss Debbie's mini English Lessons Vol. 10
A History of Halloween
Halloween has evolved into one of America's favorite holidays, sporting dressing in creative costumes, pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. It is the first in a series of several seasonal holidays: Thanksgiving, Hanukah or Christmas, and New Year's. It's a holiday that can't be missed, yet many are unaware of its history.
It is believed that Halloween has its origins in the pre-Christian Celtic customs. The Celtic New Year was November 1 because that day signified the end of the summer harvest. November 1 marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold, long nights. These days of winter were associated with death. This day was named Samhain (pronounced “sah-win”), meaning summer's end in Gaelic.
To scare away ghosts, people would dress up in costumes and light bonfires on Samhain. The night before Samhain was named All Hallow’s Eve, which later became Halloween.
In the 1800s, when Irish immigration grew in America, many of these Celtic customs began to settle. In the United States, Halloween was initially a public, community event to celebrate the harvest. Neighbors would share stories of the dead, sing songs, and dance the night away. Eventually, this custom evolved into the trick-or-treat of today.
Personally, I love Halloween for several reasons. People can get very creative designing costumes, carving pumpkins, and decorating their homes. Children can dress up to be whomever they want. Courageous souls can venture to a haunted house, and it is the one time each year when all the neighbors can greet each other and catch up, whether they’re handing out candy or trick-or-treating with the children.
Sources:
History.com
http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween
LiveScience.com
http://www.livescience.com/40596-history-of-halloween.html
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