Have Fun on Halloween!
Halloween is also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Eve. It is a celebration that is observed in many countries on October 31. That day is the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. Halloween begins the observance of Allhallowtide. It is the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead. It is also a day for fun activities for children and adults alike.
Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, attending Halloween costume parties, and carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns. Many people also light bonfires, have apple bobbing contests, playing divination games, and playing pranks. There is another industry surrounding the holiday. That is where people can visit haunted attractions. Some of those result in telling scary stories and sometimes even watching horror films. For some people, the Christian religious observances of All Hallows’ Eve includes attending church services. Many often light candles on the graves of the dead. These activities remain popular, although for others it is a secular celebration.
Trick-or-treating is a customary activity for children on Halloween. In past years, children would go from house to house wearing costumes. They ask for treats such as candy or sometimes money. This was done with the question, “Trick or treat?” The word “trick” implies a “threat” to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. Several years ago, the practice has changed to community events. Some are called “Trunk to Treat” and are gaining popularity. People gather at a specific location such as a school, fire house or community center. They decorate their cars and wear costumes. The children then wander from car to car (or trunk to trunk) to get their candy. These events are seen as being more safe because it is a controlled environment. Halloween is the first holiday of the autumn and winter seasons after Labor day and Columbus Day and before Thanksgiving.
Learn the History of Halloween
There are many theories about the origins of Halloween. One is that many Halloween traditions were influenced by Celtic harvest festivals. The most popular of those was the Gaelic festival Samhain. It is believed to have pagan roots.
Other people believe that Halloween began solely as a Christian holiday, being the vigil of All Hallow’s Day. Celebrated in Ireland and Scotland in the 19th century, Irish and Scottish migrants brought many Halloween customs to North America.
