Halloween: A Brief History

Halloween has become an almost global holiday in the world today. But do you know its origin? No? Well I’ll tell you. It originated as a pagan celebration in Celtic Ireland, my home country.

It is in-fact over 2000 years old. The original name of the festival is called “Samhain” pronounced “sowahn.” Samhain is an Irish word meaning “Summer’s End.” It is a Celtic festival celebrated here in Ireland as well as the modern Halloween festivities.

Samhain was originally a celebration of the end of harvest season and the welcoming of winter. Various rituals until it was modernized.

You may be wondering why we celebrate Samhain here in Ireland. In the past, a lot of Irish people believed that spirits would begin to roam the country from the 31st of October through a portal between the living and the dead.  This included evil spirits and good spirits.

On this night, a feast was had and a fire or a candle was left burning in the windows and doorways of people’s homes as a guide to the ghosts of deceased friends and loved ones back to their families and friends.

Although we don’t know the exact reason why, it is thought that Celts (Kelts) used to don disguises to hide from evil spirits that may want to cause them harm. These disguises may have included costumes and plaster masks. This tradition is still seen in modern times but the meaning has changed and is now more about entertainment and good fun for young people today.

The original celebration has evolved over time. Especially since thousands of Irish people emigrated across the World during the Great Famine. But it is clear that some of the traditions have carried over to all corners of the Globe 🌎

Oíche Shamhna (eeha howna) is the Irish for Halloween and of course includes a night of fun and games for all to enjoy. Not forgetting the sweets the kiddies get from going door to door to show off their costumes. Far from Halloween’s origin.