Halloween The Ghoulish Beginnings

There has been an attempt throughout history and specifically modern-day history to end Halloween celebrations. Here in Halloween The Ghoulish Beginnings, we hope dispel some of the myths. Some of these people fail to recognize that Halloween transcends many cultures and thrives at various locations worldwide. It would be unfair to criticize these people for their beliefs; however, understanding Halloween’s history may lead to better interpretation and acceptance.

Many people believe that Halloween is a Christian holiday, but this is very far from the truth. This falsehood stemmed from the notion of all Saints Day, which was a veiled attempt to create a bridge between the secular and non-secular people. Even though the origin of the name Halloween does come from the “All hallow.” The history of the tradition has roots as far back as 2000 years and perhaps millennia further.

To the Beginning

Many anthropologists believed that the early Celtic people and perhaps their predecessors celebrated Samhain. The celebration took place after the summer solstice to welcome the winter season. As the days became shorter, winter became associated with death. They were giving birth to the celebration of the dead. During this time, “clans” ( families) would create large feasts and invite the spirits of the departed to engage with them and receive the latest news of the year.

Ode to the Gods

Amid the reign of Roman General Agrippa around 27 A.D., the people of Rome celebrated a yearly harvest in the Autumn in honour of Pomona, the fruit’s goddess. Here it is said to be the origin of the bobbing for apples that has been a time-honoured Halloween tradition. The Pantheon in Rome was constructed during this time. Its primary purpose to worship the Gods.

The Age of Emperors

Like Julius Caesar and succeeding Roman leaders, who conquered Celtic lands in northern Europe and Britain in the first centuries B.C, and continued to do so until 43 A.D. The Romans incorporated many aspects of their traditional fall feast of Feralia (the Roman fall celebration) with the acknowledged Samhain. The pagan Celtic festival of the dead and the New Year, what we know as Halloween. For the duration of their 400-year reign, the two celebrations became closely assimilated.

In the years that follow, Emperor Hadrian, in 100 A.D., rebuilds the Pantheon and dedicates it to Cybele’s goddess of nature. Under this newly refurbished temple, the Romans would worship their gods, pray and pay reverence to the dead.

Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble

As the dark ages (400-1000CE) descended upon much of Europe, here we see a rise in witchcraft. Here many believe that this is the beginning of our modern Halloween traditions. There was a multitude of  pagan celebrations during the year, often referred to as “Witches’ Sabbaths.” Coincidentally, these occurred on October 31, the season’s pinnacle and were known as the “High Sabbath” or the “Black Sabbath.” 

Much of what we believe and celebrate today stem from these “High Sabbath” celebrations. The night was that of feasting and other forms of marking. Here we begin to see many of the folkloric traditions that are associated with modern Halloween. The most notable of these are witches on broomsticks, black cats, death’s skulls and pumpkins. Halloween The Ghoulish Beginnings. We draw our traditions directly from our understanding of the High Witches’ Sabbath celebrated during the Dark Ages.

The New Beginning

At the time of Pope Boniface (609 C.E.) He dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to the Virgin Mary on May 13. Here we find the transition from Cybele, goddess of nature, to Mary, mother of Jesus. Every May, this is celebrated in the Pantheon to the Virgin Mary. The date was later changed by Pope Gregory III ( 731- 741 CE) to November 1, who dedicated the chapel in honour of All Saints Day (All Hallow-even) at the Vatican Basilica.

Pope Gregory, the IV (827-844), changed All Saints Day (All Hallow-even) to incorporate October 31-November 1st. Here it is believed was an effort to convert the traditional pagan holiday and absorb it into Christianity. The church often assimilated traditions from the “old ways” in this manner. 

Trick Or Treat

It is known that during this time that November 2 becomes incorporated into All Saints Day to encompass All Souls Day celebrations. Although primarily celebrated by Roman Catholics, it is a day when followers would dress in Angel, Devil and saint attire. From here, we get our modern day Halloween costume tradition in North America and Europe. 

During the mid-1500s, a three-day celebration took place  (Oct 31-Nov 2) and was known as Allhallowtide. At the time of the festival, Christians would dress in all black to mourn the dead. Here they would go from door to door soliciting food for the dead. We can see this as being the origins of our modern day Halloween “trick or treating.”

The New World

Upon arriving in the new world, the Puritans continued their traditional practices and were very biblically oriented. Therefore they believed that practices such as Halloween to be aligned with the occult and other non-Christian beliefs. They understood that God strictly forbade all forms of witchcraft. 

As it was within their power, the Puritans banned Halloween, claiming it’s a Catholic holiday. Not to be deterred, Catholics celebrated the tradition for the next two hundred years. Continuing in their ancestors’ practice, carved turnips turn into pumpkins. The participants asked for treats, not food, for their door to door inquiries.

The Irish are Coming

As many of us know, the potato famine hit Ireland in 1800, forcing many Irish Catholics to flee to America with their meagre belongings and traditions. With them came many of their ancient pagan observances. These included Samhain, the Festival of the Dead, or Halloween. The Ghoulish Beginnings.

A Growing Understanding.

 Like many traditions and holidays in North America today, they continue to evolve. They become firmly embedded in the foundation of our modern society. Today, the pagan or Halloween custom is accepted practice in many cultures in the world.

Do you participate in Halloween regularly? The type of person who places all other holidays and observance in the background and thoroughly indulges your passion for all Hallow eve? Or perhaps you enjoy the more passive version of bringing your children to strangers in an attempt to fatten them up for Thanksgiving or Christmas? ( See Hansel and Gretel). 

Everyone is Welcome

 Maybe this is all new to you. Could it be that the article above helped give you some historical context to Halloween? It may help to explain why your mild-mannered computer programmer/ neighbour is wearing a Gene Simmons mask and showing his nipple piercing? 

We at VTE like to dance under the moonlit night. Whoever you are and whatever you think or practice Halloween, please leave us a note in the comments area below, and we will be sure to get back to you.

However you participate, do so with respect. This year is incredibly challenging, so try to adhere to the Covid 19 protocols in your area. Beyond history, Halloween is fun and children both young and old enjoy it.

Let’s not take yet another event away from our kids.

Your safety is our priority.

As always, it is our privilege to help you with your next adventure.

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE