History
What is Halloween? Is it demons stalking? Witches flying over the full moon on broomsticks and cackling? The word Halloween is from All Saints day, All Hallows Eve and Hallow Even. The Celebration of Halloween was originally the New Years Eve of the Celts, the eve of Samhain. It was believed that the Dead or disembodied spirits of those who had died would stalk the earth in search of fresh victims to possess. Villagers would take desperate means to avoid being possessed by the evil spirits stalking the earth on that dark night of October 31st they would put out the fires in their homes to make them cold and unwelcome to spirits in search of a soul to posses. They would also dress up in all sorts of scary attire to fool the stalking entities! They would wander the village passing out food and making as much noise as possible to scare away the spooks
Customs
Trick or treating: It was thought that after you died, your soul would be stuck in purgatory. To send souls to heaven, people used to go souling on October 31st. They would go around all the villages asking for soul cakes. The relatives of the dead would pass on the treats to ensure the promise of prayers for their deceased loved ones and enable their way to heaven. The more treats given the more prayers would be offered. This was one practice that trick or treating was believed to come from. It was also known as Mischief Night.
Symbols
Bats: The scary fluttering bat was thought to be associated with vampires who were thought to shape shift into the nocturnal blood drinking bat!
Black cat: During the Mass hysteria of the Burning Times witches were said to use the midnight color black cat as a Familiar.
Bonfires: During the Celtic new year the ancient villagers would build a big fire and celebrate the coming year and the passing of winter.
Jack-O-Lantern: An American twist on ancient Celtic tradition of carrying hollowed out vegetables as candle holders and lanterns to ward off evil.
Halloween Jokes
Why do witches fly on brooms?
Because vacuum cleaner cords aren’t long enough!
When is it bad luck to meet a black cat?
When you’re a mouse!
What do you call a fat Jack-O-Lantern?
A plumpkin
Where do baby ghosts go during the day?
Dayscare Centres
Which story do all little witches love to hear at bedtime?
Ghoul Deluxe & the Three Scares
