Halloween History

Halloween Witches . . . yes, that is my two beauties via a computer trick . . .isn't that a kick?

I learned something new yesterday, well I usually learn something new or different every day.  But Halloween is coming and I never gave much thought to its beginnings until I read about it in a little magazine the Seventh Day Adventist leave behind after their  monthly visit.    I usually entertain two gentlemen, each time the leader, who is a neighbor, brings along one of his friends and we have some delightful conversations.    Those of you who dread the visitors are missing out as they are not out to convert you or to hit you up for anything other than  to 'share the word' and make your day a bit brighter.  I admire their courage especially in the 'modern' world of taking God out of everything.  So give them a break next time you get a knock on the door, say hello, listen for a second, and send them off with a thank you for having the courage of their convictions.   Meanwhile, back to my tale of Halloween.

 It all started in the Fifth Century B.C. E.
 The Celts observe the festival of Samhain at the end of October when they believe ghosts and demons roam the earth more so than at other times.
The First Century, C.E.  The Romans conquer the Celts and adopt the spiritualistic rituals of Samhain.

Seventh Century C.E. Pope Boniface IV is said to have established the annual celebration of All Saints Day to honor martyrs.*  
* Hallow is an old word meaning 'saint'.  All Hallows' Day  (also known as All Saints Day) is a holiday to honor dead saints.  The evening before All Hallows' Day was called All Hallow Even, later shortened to Halloween.
Eleventh Century C. E. The second of November is designated as All Souls' Day to commemorate the dead. observances surrounding All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day are collectively called Hallowtide.
Eighteenth Century C.E.  The name of the holiday, Halloween (Hallow Evening) appears in print as Halloween.
Nineteenth Century C.E.  Thousands of people who move from Ireland to the United States bring with them Halloween customs that, in time, combined with similar customs of emigrants from Britain and Germany, as well as Africa and other parts of the world.
Twentieth Century C.E.  Halloween becomes a popular nationwide holiday in the United States.
Twenty-First Century C.E.  Commercial interest in Halloween grows into a worldwide multi billion dollar industry.

The information was gathered through several specific areas acknowledged in the booklet.    So now you know a bit more about Halloween, or maybe you already knew, but . . I learned something new and wouldn't you know the Irish had a hand in it.    Leprechauns, little people, ghosts and goblins, we grew up on the tales.

So dress up, join a fun party and if you don't have one to go to, then knock on your neighbors door and bring him or her a treat.    Don't forget the smile and the hug and you will find the door open and maybe a libation or two . . .cider is good.    Hugs to all.