About Halloween

By Bill Johnson


Halloween is without a doubt a fun filled time of the year. Not only for kids but also for men and women as well. After all, who doesn't love getting decked out as his or her favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and head out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween celebration. Halloween is an event recognized everywhere and in nearly every nation as there are seasonal and faith based associations which are popular. It has existed for nearly 500 years.

There is some speculation around the origin of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. Some historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it commenced as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nonetheless, more frequently linked to the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occasion which honors the end of summertime.

Naturally the name "Halloween" is associated with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night prior to All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It started in 1556, and through the generations All-Hallows-Eve became Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is celebrated world wide, though not every cultures celebrate on this date. Some nations celebrate on the 2nd Tuesday in December.

There is a lot of symbolism and imagery associated with Halloween which has evolved over the years many societies and movements have contributed to it. Most notably 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 most recent trend of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings. Additionally, there are a number of activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is among the most popular. Kids nationwide dress up and go house to house in their neighborhoods amassing candy and goodies. There are Halloween celebrations, prank playing, games for instance bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.

Favorite 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 instance Ireland's barmbrack that is a fruit bread.

Halloween is the season of the harvest and the conclusion 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 several other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.




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