As strange as it may sound, Halloween did not originate in
North America at all, even though North Americans have a
blast on this day, with fancy dress parties, candies and
scary decorations. Halloween was originally introduced by
the Celts. They used to call it "Samhain". It was
celebrated three days before 1st November, as well as three
days after it; this period was essentially known as the
dark season of the Celtic year.
The Celts were very superstitious by nature and used to
believe that evil spirits leave their graves on this day
and roam on the face of earth in order to inflict various
kinds of diseases on the living beings!
Originally, there was no pumpkin decoration or anything of
that sort. People used to carve scary faces out of turnips
and potatoes and light fire inside them. On this day, even
barbarians were treated like honorable guests by the Celts;
they were given food, drinks etc. and allowed to enjoy the
mirth with the rest of the society!
Later, when the whole of Europe converted to Christianity,
Samhain was replaced by All Hallows Eve! When the Europeans
discovered the New Word America and colonized it, they
imported the custom of All Hallows Eve with them in
America. However the present Halloween as we see it, is
actually the contribution of Irish emigrants, and it has
little to do with Samhain!
Here are some countries which celebrate Halloween:
1. USA: Of course, Halloween is probably one of the biggest
holidays in USA. Is USA it is celebrated like nowhere else,
with a lot of commercialization, fancy dress parties, scary
decorations and costumes, etc.
2. Scotland and England: Scotland and England are two
countries which haven't, fortunately, abandoned the
tradition. In Scotland, people still follow the age old
pagan customs associated with Samhain. Children are
supposed to carve scary faces out of rutabagas and light
candles inside them. And they don't get candies without an
effort; they would receive candies only after they are able
to entertain their guests properly. There is no custom of
'tricking or treating' there.
In England, people celebrate the Guy Fawkes Day on 5th
November, which is not much different from the original
Samhain; in fact,. many of the customs which originated
with Samhain were adopted in the celebration of Guy Fawkes
Day. On this day children march in an organized parade ,
wearing masks and with torch lights in hands!
3. Ireland: The 'tricking or treating' as we see it in
North American Halloween, originated with the Irish. So it
is no wonder that Irish Halloween is not much different
from its North American counterpart. In Ireland, children
carry huge lanterns made out of rutabagas and go around the
neighborhood. The neighbors receive them with sweets and
candies! During Halloween, houses in Ireland are decorated
with Halloween lights!
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