- Sun, 13 October 2024
In a bid to ward off these spirits, the Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes, often made of animal heads and skins. Sound familiar? This ancient tradition is the earliest known precursor to our modern Halloween costumes.
As the Roman Empire expanded its reach, it began to merge its own festivals with those of the Celts. Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead, became intertwined with Samhain traditions. Additionally, the Roman festival honouring Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees, may have influenced the “bobbing for apples” game, a popular Halloween activity in the UK.
With the spread of Christianity, efforts were made to replace pagan festivals with Christian holidays. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as a day to honour all saints, known as All Saints’ Day. The evening before, traditionally known as All Hallows’ Eve, eventually became Halloween.
While many of Halloween’s traditions have ancient origins, trick-or-treating is relatively modern and has American roots. It evolved from the medieval practice of “souling,” where poor people in Britain would go door-to-door on Hallowmas (November 1), offering prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes.
The iconic Jack-o’-lantern, a staple in UK Halloween decorations, originates in an Irish myth about a man named “Stingy Jack.” According to folklore, Jack tricked the Devil multiple times and was forbidden entrance into both heaven and hell. He was condemned to wander the Earth, with only a burning coal to light his way, which he placed inside a carved-out turnip. When Irish immigrants moved to the US, they began using pumpkins, native to the region, instead of turnips, giving birth to the pumpkin Jack-o’-lantern we know today.
Today’s UK Halloween celebrations are a fusion of ancient traditions and modern influences. While American customs like elaborate costumes and trick-or-treating have become popular, older traditions, such as lighting bonfires, still persist in some parts of the country.
In recent years, there’s been a resurgence in interest in the festival’s pagan roots. Events like the annual Witchfest in Croydon, the world’s largest witchcraft festival, celebrate the UK’s rich history of folklore and magic.
At SaltAngelBlue, we’re committed to diving deep, challenging norms, and bringing you the untold stories behind everyday traditions. This Halloween, as you embrace the ghosts of the past, we invite you to question, explore, and discover the shadows lurking beneath the surface.
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