Wednesday, 3 October 2012

History And Tradition of Halloween Holiday

By Bill Johnson


Halloween certainly an exciting time. Not just for children but in addition, for older people in addition. After all, who doesn't relish getting dressed up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, superhero, or bad guy, and head out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween get together. Halloween is an occasion commemorated throughout the world and in almost every country as there are seasonal and non secular connections that are well-known. It 's been around for nearly five centuries.

There is some supposition on the beginning of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. Several researchers link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Some others believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nevertheless, more often associated with the Celtic festival labeled as Samhain, a Gaelic occasion that honors the conclusion of summer.

Of course the name "Halloween" is more generally linked with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the evening before All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It started in 1556, and through the ages All-Hallows-Eve evolved into Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is commemorated world wide, however not all cultures celebrate on this date. Some countries celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.

Halloween has loads of symbolism and imagery which has changed throughout the years and many cultures and movements have led to it. Most significantly 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 latest trend of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings.

There's also many activities that have become traditions of Halloween. Trick-or-treating has become the most popular. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house in their neighborhoods accumulating candy and goodies. There are Halloween parties, 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. Several other cultures have traditional foods they prepare for example Ireland's barmbrack which is a fruit bread.

Halloween represents the season of the harvest and the end 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 beginning 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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