Halloween Traditions: Then and Now

Halloween (short for “All Hallows Eve”) is not a holiday that is celebrated in all cultures. It is mainly celebrated in Western cultures such as Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Halloween is celebrated on the night of October 31. People who rejoice in this holiday often do so with traditions such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, bonfires, attending “haunted houses,” eating candy, and carving pumpkins. These traditions were mainly passed down by Irish and Scottish immigrants.

A Halloween tradition that spans most urban legends, countries, and historical events is the act of dressing up in costumes and masks. In the past, it was said that these masks were supposed to ward off evil spirits. However, modern costumes vary from “scary” creatures to heroic figures, depending on the preferences of the person.

Children who dress up often go “trick or treating” (an activity that dates back to 1911). Children will go door to door and ask for treats, reciting the phrase “trick or treat!” The owner of the house will drop a Halloween treat (usually candy) into the children’s bag, and the children will proceed to the next house.

Another Halloween tradition is to have a festival that involves a bonfire. This tradition is from the Celtic culture who believed that fire would attract insects, which would attract bats to the area. This was essential to his beliefs that the boundaries between the living and the dead overlapped on the night of October 31.

A more modern Halloween tradition is to celebrate the night with a costume party. Attendees would dress up in various costumes and visit friends. These parties would consist of activities such as costume contests, apple bobbing (where people dip their heads into a barrel full of water and try to grab a bobbing apple with just their teeth), watching scary movies, and reciting scary stories. .

Carving pumpkins is another Halloween tradition. It consists of gutting a pumpkin and carving a ghoulish face on its forehead. Later, it is lit with a candle (which is placed inside the gourd) and left outside to entertain people passing by.

Although this holiday is celebrated with joy and glee, some cultures are offended by the terrifying and demonic creatures that are depicted in the Halloween festivities. The background of this holiday is shrouded in mystery and folklore, but in the end the final decision remains with you. Whether or not you choose to celebrate this holiday by celebrating those who have passed away, revering the harvest season (as in Gaelic culture), or using it as an excuse to have a costume party with your friends depends solely on your beliefs.

If you choose to celebrate this holiday this year, try some of these traditions with your family and friends. You can choose a fancy Halloween costume mask and party dress or dress up as your favorite superhero. Remember, the main idea of ​​today’s Halloween celebrations is to have fun with your loved ones and enjoy some tasty treats.