Halloween History

Since yesterday was Halloween and today is All Saints' Day I thought it would be fun to share a little history on the holidays.

Fun Facts:

• Halloween is thought to have originated from the Celtic All Hallow's Eve Holiday “Samhain”.
• Nov 1st was the Celtic New Year.
• In the 8th Century November 1st was designated as a day to honor saints.
• Around 43 A.D. The Romans combined their holidies, “Feralia” and Pomona with the Celtic “Samhain”. The symbol for Pomona was an apple and it is said tthat bobbing for apples on Halloween was inspired by this.
• One of the first American versions of Halloween were “play parties” which celebrated the harvest. Community members would tell Ghost Stories, tell fortunes, and participate in mischief making.
• Trick r Treating began in the 19th century due to the famine in Ireland. Neighbors would go from door to door in costume asking for food or money
• Women throughout the centuries often used the holiday to try to identify their future husbands through various rituals including naming hazelnuts or tossing apple peels over their shoulders.
• By the 20's or 30's Halloween formed into what we are familiar with today including Halloween parades and town parties. Trick r Treating became a common practice by the 50's

So there you have it, some facts about All Saints' Day and Halloween throughout the centuries!

Know of any other Halloween or All Saints' Day facts that I didn't mention? Add a comment below!