Among ''Christian'' festive traditions...1

The Origin of Halloween

Halloween, originally spelled Hallowe’en, is shortened from All Hallows' Evening.

Thanks to Popes Gregory III (731-741) and Gregory IV(827-844), who moved the Christian holiday, All Saints' Day, from 13May to 1Nov, Halloween is now known as "Eve of" All Saints' Day, which is November 1st.

 It is linked to the celtic festival of Samhain, derived from Old Irish meaning "summer's end". Celebrating the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half", it is regarded as the "Celtic New Year". The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the Otherworld became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits to pass through. Ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off by people who wore costumes and masks to disguise oneself and avoid harm.

On All Hallows’ eve, many Irish and Scottish people would place a candle on their western window sill to honor the departed. Other traditions include carving lanterns from turnips or rutabagas, sometimes with faces on them, as is done in the modern tradition of carving pumpkin.