Pumpkins, Costumes, Candy--Halloween!

The lanterns are lit, candies are toppling out of massive bowls, and eager children are gazing intensely at their costumes. Several people in the U. S., Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom are counting down to its arrival—Halloween. It is here again; and as usual, topping media headlines worldwide. So where, exactly, did this festive holiday originate?

Halloween's origin date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31, is a mix of ancient Celtic practices, Catholic and Roman religious rituals and European folk traditions that blended together over time to create the holiday we know today.

Its name, a short form of “All Hollows Even (Evening),” originated in Scotland during the 16th Century. In 1927, the phrase, “Trick or Treat,” surfaced in Alberta, Canada. Young children in North America would perform a song or rhyme, and were rewarded with a treat. During the 1930s, this practice was adopted throughout the United States.

The idea of the Jack O Lantern was brought to the U.S. from Ireland. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack." In short, he was allowed into neither Heaven, nor hell when he died. He was sent off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since.

So now that you no what the media’s raving about, carve out a lantern, grab a goody bag (or two), and yell “Trick or Treat,” until you’ve had enough. Then post pictures letting me know how you celebrated! Here is a small treat for you.

JoAnna Matthews