Why we celebrate Halloween

Halloween is rooted in the Celtic celebration of the new year. Already for more than 2,000 years ago, the Celts celebrated Halloween and All Saints Day in late between October and November.

All Hallows Eve =  October 31

All Saints Day/All Hallows Day = 1st November

All Souls Day = November 2

Celebration of New Year 

The Celtic people, who lived in the British Isles and northern France for more than 2,000 years ago, marked the transition to a new year on November 1. The Celts believed that the old year died on the evening of the last day of October. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest, a time in which many lives were lost.

The Celts believed that the border between the living and the dead was the night before the new year. This was the night when ghosts returned to earth to cause trouble and ruin the crop.

Thanksgiving 

Originally it was Samhain on October 31, one Thanksgiving where the sun god was hailed for giving the people the fruits they would live by through a long winter. While the Celts would honor the dead and create peace around them. The farmers lit bonfires to ward off evil spirits. For not being recognized by ghosts, dressed themselves out in masks when they left the house.

A fest in memory of all the saints and martyrs 

All Saints Day or Weekend Messe is an ancient commemoration of all saints and martyrs. In the Greek Orthodox Church was days since the 4th century celebrated the first Sunday after Pentecost. In the Roman Catholic Church was All Saints Day introduced in the year 610 by Pope Boniface IV in memory of the martyrs. The celebration took place on 13 May. At 7-800-century date moved to November 1, after the harvest, so they had plenty of food and drink for celebration. Both the State and the Church in the Catholic Church's All Saints an exception, which is added to the first Sunday in November.

The tradition spread across the Atlantic 

During the great famine in Ireland 1854-1860, emigrated 700,000 Irishmen to the United States. They brought with them the traditions of Halloween. The evening before All Saints' Day is called Halloween or All Hallows Eve, hence the abbreviated name of Halloween.

Today is Halloween a modern party. It is a very popular celebration in the United States, where it reigns the pure carnival atmosphere at this time of year. Over the past few years, Halloween has come as an epidemic in Norway too. Children dress up in scary costumes and rings with neighbors while shouting "Trick or treat", where the main objective is to get as much candy as possible. Adults marks usually also by inviting the Halloween party costumed and serving of assorted tapas dishes, often with little intimidating feel.

Documentary - The History of Halloween

Ever tried to make Halloween pancakes?