Reclaiming Halloween #3

 Greig Roselli writes:

History of All Hallows Eve

Halloween has its origins in the changing seasons and the fear people used to have of autumn’s waning sunlight.
The name Halloween is a shortened version of “All Hallows Eve.” Hallows is another word for holy. Halloween originated as a nighttime vigil preceding the Christian holiday of All Hallows (All Saints Day), celebrated on November 1.
Modern Halloween is an amalgam of the celebration of fall and the Medieval European superstition that spirits return to earth.

Ancient Roots, Same Stories

Halloween is an ancient tradition. The idea of honoring the seasons precedes Christianity and has its roots in the Celtic festival of harvest, Samhain. The Celts believed that evil spirits were let loose on our earth for one day each year.
During this night, all hell breaks loose. People wear masks to hide from any spirits that might be seeking vengeance. Similarly, the gargoyles that adorn the front of Gothic cathedrals were intended to protect the building from evil. The idea that we can trick away or disgust ghosts is the origin of scary Halloween traditions.

Different Ways to Celebrate Halloween

Halloween's rich history means you can celebrate the day by drawing on elements of its traditions.
Some parents dislike the conventional Halloween festivities for a variety of reasons: religious beliefs, an aversion to scary situations, or concerns with its consumerist tendencies. If you are looking for alternative ways to spend October 31, here are a few places to start:  Start