By Frank Lyman
Halloween is definitely a thrilling season. Not simply for small children but for men and women also. After all, what person doesn't like getting dressed up as his or her favorite ghoul, goblin, superhero, or bad guy, and go out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween party. Halloween is an event recognized worldwide and in virtually every nation as there are seasonal and religious associations which are widespread. It has been around for nearly 500 years.
There is some conjecture over the beginning of Halloween(not the name) but the occasion. Some historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nonetheless, more frequently associated with the Celtic festival called Samhain, a Gaelic occurrence that celebrates the end of summertime.
Of course the name "Halloween" is more widely linked with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the evening before All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and throughout the generations All-Hallows-Eve evolved into Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is commemorated around the world, though not all cultures celebrate on this date. Some nations around the world celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.
Halloween has a lot of symbolism and imagery that has developed over the years and lots of cultures and movements have contributed to it. Most particularly are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and every year the most recent trend of popular movies and characters adds to offerings.
In addition there are a number of activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is among the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house within their neighborhoods gathering candy and sweets. There are Halloween celebrations, prank playing, games such as bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.
Popular foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Several other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack which is a fruit bread.
Halloween marks the season of the harvest and the end of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people maintain it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.
There is some conjecture over the beginning of Halloween(not the name) but the occasion. Some historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nonetheless, more frequently associated with the Celtic festival called Samhain, a Gaelic occurrence that celebrates the end of summertime.
Of course the name "Halloween" is more widely linked with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the evening before All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and throughout the generations All-Hallows-Eve evolved into Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is commemorated around the world, though not all cultures celebrate on this date. Some nations around the world celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.
Halloween has a lot of symbolism and imagery that has developed over the years and lots of cultures and movements have contributed to it. Most particularly are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and every year the most recent trend of popular movies and characters adds to offerings.
In addition there are a number of activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is among the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house within their neighborhoods gathering candy and sweets. There are Halloween celebrations, prank playing, games such as bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.
Popular foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Several other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack which is a fruit bread.
Halloween marks the season of the harvest and the end of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people maintain it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.
About the Author:
Make a smart choice and before you make your costume purchase for Halloween, take a minute to peruse our selection of Poison Ivy Costume and poison ivy costumes here at the #1 site on the internet.