Halloween

We all know it, we all love it. But, where did Halloween come from? What are its Origins? Was it always this way? Well my friend, read on to figure out all about the history of our spookiest evening of the year!

Halloween once began as a celtic festival called Samhain (Pronounced Sah-ween). This is a time when the Celts believed the barriers between the living and the dead were at their weakest. Because of this they would dress in spooky costumes to hopefully scare off the wandering spirits, or as some people now believe, to blend in with the dead in the night they walked among the living. 

Now, perhaps you’re still wondering where other beloved traditions come about. Like pumpkin carving! And bowls upon bowls of candy for trick or treating. 

Pumpkin carving today is mostly a fun family activity, and perhaps a yearly sacrifice to the neighborhood squirrels. But according to folk lore, the carving of root vegetables, originally turnips, was supposed to protect your home from wandering spirits or other supernatural beings. In other evolutions of the story dried gourds (like small pumpkins!) were hollowed out and then used as lanterns for watchmen. The light was provided by a small burning piece of peat, where we now use candles in Jack-o’-Lanterns. See, even the name Jack-o’-Lantern has a long traceable history, although there are at times multiple accounts of the same story that differ by region. Originally the word Jack-o’-Lantern was used to describe the will-o’-the-wisp lights that hovered mysteriously on dark nights, and eventually was also used to describe the light from a watchman’s lantern. A particularly spooky watchman was Stingy Jack, he is said to have died and been condemned to forever walk with only a turnip lantern to light his way.

Now, what about the candy? Well, the candy is a relatively new addition to the tradition. Originally during Samhain food offerings were left as a layer of protection against wandering creatures. In 19th century Britain, children began to go door to door singing prayers for the dead in return for sweet cakes known as soul cakes. Once the Scottish and Irish began immigrating to North America they brought this tradition with them. Only in the mid 20th century did trick-or-treating really explode in popularity the way we know it. In the middle of suburban America! Originally people handed out homemade sweet treats until of course, ding ding ding: Capitalism came knocking. It was the perfect opportunity for candy makers to sell individually wrapped candies made for handing out to kids on Halloween night.

Now of course, many students at skyline participate in full halloween traditions. Some students even still call it by the name Samhain, or even hallows eve. During October skyline students responded with some of their unique traditions, from dressing up & collecting bags of candy, to watching halloween movies all the way to hosting parties. There are some unique Halloween traditions Skyline has to offer. In a blend of both Trick and Treat, one family likes to put durian flavored candies in their candy bowl! Another delicious sounding tradition is eating stuffed bell peppers carved like pumpkins. And finally some houses have lots of Halloween fun, hosting haunted houses, drinking cider around bonfires and even putting pets into adorable mini costumes.