Halloween is without question a thrilling time of the year. Not only for youngsters but also for parents also. After all, who doesn't love getting dressed up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and setting off trick-or-treating or to a Halloween social gathering. Halloween is an event observed world wide and in almost every country as there are seasonal and religious associations that are popular. It has existed for almost 500 years.
There is some speculation around the origin of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. Some historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it commenced as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nonetheless, more frequently linked to the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occasion which honors the end of summertime.
Naturally the name "Halloween" is associated with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night prior to All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It started in 1556, and through the generations All-Hallows-Eve became Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is celebrated world wide, though not every cultures celebrate on this date. Some nations celebrate on the 2nd Tuesday in December.
Halloween contains much symbolism and imagery which has evolved through the years and lots of societies and movements have contributed to it. Most particularly are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and each year the latest trend of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings. There's also a number of activities that have become traditions of Halloween. Trick-or-treating has become the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house in their neighborhoods collecting candy and treats. There are Halloween functions, prank playing, games which include bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.
Among the most popular foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack that is a fruit bread.
Halloween symbolizes the season of the harvest and represents the conclusion of summer. Fall in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people maintain it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.
There is some speculation around the origin of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. Some historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it commenced as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nonetheless, more frequently linked to the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occasion which honors the end of summertime.
Naturally the name "Halloween" is associated with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night prior to All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It started in 1556, and through the generations All-Hallows-Eve became Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is celebrated world wide, though not every cultures celebrate on this date. Some nations celebrate on the 2nd Tuesday in December.
Halloween contains much symbolism and imagery which has evolved through the years and lots of societies and movements have contributed to it. Most particularly are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and each year the latest trend of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings. There's also a number of activities that have become traditions of Halloween. Trick-or-treating has become the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house in their neighborhoods collecting candy and treats. There are Halloween functions, prank playing, games which include bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.
Among the most popular foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack that is a fruit bread.
Halloween symbolizes the season of the harvest and represents the conclusion of summer. Fall in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people maintain it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.
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