The History & Traditions of Halloween
By Robin DuMolin
Over 2000 years ago, the Celts feared the night of October 31st. It was the eve of their celebration “Samhain”, the Lord of the Dead. They were fearful because they believed this was the night that evil spirits were everywhere. The Celtic Druids lit big bonfires and burned animals or prisoners in baskets. By observing how they died, the Druids saw good or bad omens for the future. With so many spirits present on Samhain, the Celts believed it was the most powerful time to divine the future. Samhain was not only a day of the dead, but also a celebratory harvest festival. Their sun god, Baal, was given thanks on this day, it was also the time of their New Year’s.
Roman armies invaded Britain and France and made them part of the Roman Empire. The Romans also had a festival for the dead in late October called, Feralia, and in November, they honored Pomona, goddess of the orchards. These two Roman celebrations plus the Druid Samhain eventually blended into one celebration. Some of the Roman soldiers converted to the Druid beliefs. This disturbed the Roman emperors and they banned the Druid religion and killed many of the Druid priests. When Christianity became a lawful religion, Rome felt threatened by the Druid religion’s popularity. The Celts despite all that, still celebrated Samhain, building bonfires and awaiting the coming of the spirits.
Celtic people who became Christians were told that the fire rituals they had done for the Lord of the Dead on October 31st, would now protect them from the devil who was the enemy of the Christian church. All the different religions combined and so Celts who used to only celebrate Samhain incorporated the Roman tradition of eating nuts and apples, but also telling fortunes, dancing and playing games.
Little People
During the Stone Age, there was supposed to have lived a small dark skinned people in northern Europe and the British Isles. They were said to have lived in forests in small huts whose roofs were covered in turf. They wore green clothing that blended into their environments. This helped to camouflage them from the conquering Celts and Germanic tribes, who hunted and tortured them. These “little people” sometimes robbed and kidnapped people. They hid very well so most times people only got a glimpse of them thinking they had vanished magically. All their characteristics made the Celts believe that these “little people” were fairies and evil. Fairies were believed to be out in force on Samhain.
Later on in history, housewives in the British Isles and France would put out food for these “little people” hoping to keep them from harming their families. All that is known of their religion is that every seven years they made a human sacrifice to their god. They would steal Celtic children and sacrifice them. This is why there were sayings like, “The little people will get you if you don’t watch out.”
Ghosts
People of Britain feared spirits or ghosts on Samhain. They believed that the souls of the dead returned to their former homes on this night for warmth and cheer to carry with them to the spirit world. To displease these ghosts was considered dangerous because they could harm you. Big bonfires were lit to guide good natured ghosts homeward and to frighten evil ones away. Food was left out when people went to church on this night. The food was left for the ghosts to appease them so they wouldn’t play a nasty trick on the people. When other items from a person’s home were stolen by beggars, this custom ceased.
Animals, masks and other things associated with Halloween
Owls – Used to be associated with the Greek goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Her familiar was the owl, ever since owls have been deemed wise. They have also been seen as messengers from the spirit world.
Cats – Considered witches’ familiars. People used to believe witches transformed into cats.
Jack-o-lanterns – The candle flame inside the pumpkins represent not only fire, but pure spirit. Spirits, ghosts, and fairies often appear as sparks of white light. In Egypt, candles were lit at the cemeteries to guide the spirits of the dead back from the city of Osiris. In Ireland, candles were placed at cottage windows to welcome home the ghosts of the dead. In Japan, on the day equivalent to Halloween, paper lanterns are lit in gardens to welcome home the spirits of the deceased.
Witches – In the Middle Ages a monk named Dunce discovered that a tall, cone shaped hat like that worn by wizards increased mental activity – so the dunce cap was invented to help not to humiliate children. The witch was wise in using the same shape for her hat and to strengthen her energies. With her hat on, she could send out her energy to do her will in any direction. Witches used to be associated with healing.
Trick or Treat – In Ireland masked priests honored a Druid god, Muck Olla, begging for food and tithes. Farmers feared what Muck Olla might do to their farms if they gave nothing. Usually, their barns would be mysteriously burnt down or animals stolen. Present day trick or treating was brought to America by the Irish immigrants during the 1800’s. This part of Halloween was embraced by children and continues on to this day.
Sources: Holiday Folklore, Phobias and Fear by Donald Dussey, Witches, Pumpkin, and Grinning Ghosts by Edna Barth, Ancients Ways by Pauline Campanelli
