A History of Halloween
Very few people would think to associate Halloween with the Celtic culture of ancient Ireland, but that's exactly where the holiday has its origins. The Celtic celebration of Sanhain (pronounced sow-in) began 2,000 years ago as a way to celebrate the Celtic new year, which was on November 1.
The Celts believed that at the beginning of the new year, the lines between the living and the dead blurred. On October 31, they celebrated Sanhain, which they thought to be the day when the ghosts of the dead returned to earth, causing trouble and damaging crops. They also believed that these spirits made it easier for the Druids, Celtic priests, to see into the future and make predictions.
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ifoodiee says :
Very interesting read, btw did you know that the act of dressing up as Ghosts was practiced amongst celts too..and they did this not to have fun but for a more scary reason..so that the ghosts of the dead wont realise they are humans..:-)
Posted on: 6 November 2009 - 7:18am
foodpsychologist says :
Thanks for this information on the history of Halloween. Understanding the significance of a holiday gives the celebrations a deep meaning.
Posted on: 6 November 2009 - 1:55pm
perceptiveeye says :
I do agree with the above 2 comments. If we understand the story and significance of any festival/holiday, it helps us in connecting to that one. I am amazed to know about the Halloween history!!
Posted on: 6 November 2009 - 2:30pm
Anonymous says :
Commenting on your kitchen pumpkin...better made than last year- with it changed color to black.
Posted on: 7 November 2009 - 9:23am
tanya3286 says :
it sounds similar to holi.. though the hindu calender kicks off the traditional new year sometime after holi. the warding off of evil is a similar practice which is done by burning the 'holika' (scared bonfire)
Posted on: 7 November 2009 - 11:09am
Anonymous says :
Interesting ! never knew about this aspect of Halloween. Thought it is celebrated just for fun..gr8 info
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 4:44am
Anonymous says :
A short, yet interesting write-up!
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 6:33am
epicure says :
hahahaha...this looks disgustingly delightful! O My Halloween pumpkin, just can't wait to dig into ur skull...
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 7:11am
Anonymous says :
I am going to keep a print out of this blog handy so that next time kids ask about it, I can explain the history to them.
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 7:31am
Shilpa222 says :
this is interesting..human beliefs through history have been most intriguing indeed!
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 8:19am
foodpsychologist says :
Visited your site once more as it is truly fascinating
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 10:51am
Anonymous says :
wow.......thats innovative........ interesting info
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 1:06pm
Anonymous says :
what fun ideas
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 1:07pm
Kinjal says :
Very informative
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 4:46pm
bronzegoddess_bright says :
hahaha... The Pumpkin as Darth Vader is EPIC!!
Posted on: 12 October 2011 - 10:24pm
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