Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
There’s excitement when the leaves on the trees change colors, and the air feels cool. Well, it means that it’s time for Halloween.
I remember how excited I was when I was a kid. I loved picking out the best costume and the fun idea of walking around in the dark, looking for candy.
But there’s more to Halloween than just costumes and candy. It has a really interesting history and comes from different cultures. So, what actually is Halloween, and why do we celebrate it?
Today, I’ll share the cool story of Halloween with you and find out why it’s still so popular.
Halloween: What Is It & Why Do People Celebrate It?
What Exactly Is Halloween?
Halloween is a holiday observed every year on the 31st of October. Its roots trace back to the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain [1].
During this event, communities lit bonfires and donned costumes to fend off wandering spirits.
Over time, these customs blended with Roman and Christian traditions, evolving into the modern Halloween.
“Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? For some of us.”
– Tim Burton, American Filmmaker
Today’s celebration is characterized by costumes, trick-or-treating, spooky decorations, and a festive ambiance, honoring its historical origins while offering a playful way to embrace the eerie and unknown.
But what’s the distinction between Halloween and Dia de los Muertos?
Why Do People Like To Celebrate Halloween?
Halloween is loved by many because it lets us deal with things that scare us in a fun way.
It’s a chance to explore spooky and mysterious things, face our worries, and enjoy them simultaneously.
When we wear costumes, tell scary stories, and get into the unknown, it’s a fun way to feel better about our interest in supernatural things.
This is why Halloween is always something people like to celebrate.
Find out the reason why Halloween is the best holiday here.
When Did Halloween Begin?
Halloween began a really long time ago, about 2,000 years ago. People called Celts in Europe started it.
This celebration is believed to be the earliest form of Halloween. It was a time to light bonfires and wear costumes to fend off wandering spirits.
Over time, this ancient tradition merged with other cultures’ practices, evolving into the Halloween we know today.
What Countries Celebrate Halloween The Most?
Halloween is most celebrated in the US and Canada. While it’s very popular there, Halloween isn’t just for Americans.
Many countries worldwide have ways to remember people who have passed away.
“Beyond the candy wrappers and spooky decorations, Halloween offers us a playful mirror to our fears, inviting us to laugh at the shadows we once feared.”
– Howkapow Gift Site
In Mexico, they have Dia de los Muertos, and in some places, there’s the Qingming Festival in China.
So, while the US and Canada go big on Halloween, different countries also have special days to honor those who left us.
How To Explain To Someone That You Do Not Celebrate Halloween?
When it comes to not celebrating Halloween, open communication is key. Explain your reasons calmly and respectfully with family, friends, and neighbors.
If you have children or other family members, discuss your reasons for not participating.
Let friends in on your decision so they understand and respect your choice, avoiding unwanted pressure.
Remember, your choice is personal and clear; honest conversations can foster understanding and help maintain your bond with those around you.
What Should You Do With Children Who Don’t Celebrate Halloween?
Kids who don’t celebrate Halloween can still have fun in the fall. Families can plan a special trip to enjoy the season together.
And they can play in the piles of leaves, pick apples [2], and bake yummy things as a team. Or kids can also pick out a pumpkin from a patch and make cool designs by carving it.
Enjoying all the good things about autumn can make nice memories and help everyone celebrate in a way that feels right for them.
Also Read: Easy Tips To Host A Halloween Party
FAQs
What religions are opposed to Halloween?
Various religious groups, including Jehovah’s Witnesses and certain Jewish and Muslim communities, choose not to observe Halloween.Â
Despite not participating in the celebrations, many members of these faiths find alternative ways to enjoy themselves during this time.
What’s the Pope’s opinion on Halloween?
The Pope has expressed concerns about Halloween, highlighting that it’s not merely innocent entertainment but can lead to more serious things like potentially darker rituals, such as animal sacrifices, cemetery desecrations, and thefts of sacred remains around October 31.
What was the first place in the US to celebrate Halloween?
Anoka, Minnesota, takes the honor of being the pioneer in the US to hold a Halloween celebration.Â
They started this tradition to keep the kids from causing Halloween mischief and pranks.
Final Remarks
Halloween is more than just costumes and candy—a portal to our past, a time-honored dance with the mysterious.
From what I’ve explored, Halloween is a special night celebrated for a long time.
It started with a festival called Samhain from the Celtic people, where they lit big fires and wore disguises to keep away spooky spirits.
Now, in our time, Halloween is loved by many worldwide. It’s fun to face our fears and enjoy mysterious things playfully.
Halloween isn’t only popular in the United States and Canada. People worldwide have special ways of remembering loved ones who are no longer with us.
References:
- https://inews.co.uk/light-relief/samhain-meaning-what-pagan-festival-halloween-rituals-explained-1943351
- https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/benefits-of-apples
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