Lifestyle - October 28, 2022

Halloween: the origins, meaning and traditions of one of the most popular holidays of the year

Halloween is, as you know, the holiday we celebrate every year on 31 October. The origin of this holiday is closely linked to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Who were the Celts? They were a section of the population that lived 2,000 years ago mainly in the area that is now Ireland.

During this event, people gathered around a bonfire and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. This ancient Gaelic festival took place on 1 November but began the night before, and is very close to what we know today. This particular time of year marked the changing of the seasons, a time of year when many believed it was easier to make contact with the dead. It is also from here that Halloween acquires its ‘haunted’ connotation.

But have you ever wondered whether the origin and history of Halloween, and especially its meaning, is pagan or Christian? Exactly on 13 May 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honour of all Christian martyrs, and the Catholic feast of All Martyrs was established in the Western Church. Later, however, it was Pope Gregory III who expanded this feast to include all saints and martyrs and moved the feast from 13 May to 1 November. The previous evening, the 31st, was instead known as All Saints’ Eve, and later Halloween.

Then over the course of time, Halloween also evolved as a holiday, becoming the holiday of trick-or-treating, linked to the legend of Jack-o’-lantern, but more importantly its meaning, whether pagan or Christian? Exactly on 13 May 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honour of all the Christian martyrs and the Catholic feast of All Martyrs was established in the Western Church. Later, however, it was Pope Gregory III who expanded this feast to include all saints and martyrs and moved the feast from 13 May to 1 November. The previous evening, the 31st, was instead known as All Saints’ Eve, and later Halloween.

Then over the course of time, Halloween also evolved as a holiday, becoming the ‘trick-or-treat’ holiday, linked to the legend of Jack-o’-lantern. The English name for Halloween dates back to medieval Christianity. The word hallow is derived from Middle and Old English meaning holy. From the early rituals that were certainly more authentic and spiritual, we moved with the passage of time to the decidedly more American customs of Halloween, although the origin of this festivity has nothing to do with America. However, when America was invaded by new Irish immigrants in the second half of the 19th century, it was they who helped to popularise the celebration of Halloween nationwide. Thus, a new American tradition was born, which today we celebrate all over the world. In recent years this holiday is the second most commercial holiday after Christmas, America of all countries is estimated to spend about $6 billion a year on Halloween.

HALLOWEEN: AFTER CHRISTMAS, THE SECOND MOST POPULAR HOLIDAY IN THE WORLD








Top 5
The Iconic White Shirt: A Timeless Piece for Spring/Summer
The white shirt, as we know, is an everlasting garment that continues to dominate runways and the wardrobes of some […]
Slicked-Back Hair: The Perfect Beauty Trend for Summer
With the arrival of summer, it’s time to embrace an effortless style like the classic slicked-back hair trend. Perfect for […]
The Best Looks from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival
Welcome to the dazzling world of the Cannes Film Festival, where cinema mingles with fashion, and style takes center stage. […]
Discover the New iPad Air: More Powerful, Versatile, and Green
  Apple opens the door to another technological revolution with its latest announcement. The brand-new iPad Air is now available […]
Are you ready to discover the ‘Legally Blonde’ prequel series?
  ‘Legally Blonde‘ fans went wild with Amazon’s announcement of the highly anticipated prequel series based on the beloved hit. […]
Non ci sono contenuti in archivio da mostrare