Halloween has evolved and been influenced by a number of different cultures and religions, the most important of which are paganism, the Romans, the Celts (the people of Ireland, Scotland, Britain, Wales) and Christianity. However, almost all of the traditions surrounding Halloween as we know it today can be traced back to the Celtic Day of the Dead, a pagan holiday. The Druids were a religious order amongst the Celts.On this day, they would try to appease their Lord of Death (Samhain). These Druids also believed that witches rode on broom sticks and that ghosts were the cause of supernatural occurrences.The belief was that on the eve of the Celtic New Year (which for them was October 31), the souls of dead people roamed the land of the living. The Devil, spirits and witches were also believed to be moving about and at the height of their power.
The Pope, in the eight century, decided to Christianize this pagan holiday since he wanted people to abandon the occult practices associated with it, and made November 1 All Saints' Day or All Hallows' (Holy) Day. This is a day to remember all of the Christians who died for their faith. October 31 was then considered All Hallow's Eve, and this word later evolved into the modern day Halloween.
1.Dressing up in costumes: This was done so that the spirits of the dead would not recognize people. The Druids sacrificed animals and sometimes humans and dress in the animal skins.
2. Trick-or-treating: The Druids would go from house to house on October 31 and demand specific types of food. If their demands were not met, it was believed the people and their homes would be cursed with trouble, sickness and death. Prosperity was promised to those who generously donated.
3. Jack-o'-lantern: This started as a legend associated with a man of Irish origin named Jack who supposedly enjoyed playing pranks on the Devil. After his death, Jack did not go to Heaven or Hell and therefore, had to wander the earth carrying a lantern which gave him some light to see where he was going. Pumpkins that are hollowed out and have candles lit inside are supposed to scare evil spirits away.
