Around 2,000 years ago, people named Celts were living in northern Europe in places that at present are made up of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Northern France. These individuals commemorated their new year every November 1. This time marked the finish of summer harvest and start of the lengthy, cold winter months. Human deaths were associated with the winter months. The Celts thought the night preceding the new year was marked with a blur between life and death. So that night, October 31, became a festivity named Samhain. The belief was that ghosts of the deceased returned to earth producing trouble and destroying crops. The Celtic priests known as Druids could use these returning spirits to form future prophecies which were used for direction and consolation during the winter time.

The Druids would make huge bonfires and the people would sacrifice portions of their harvest and animals to the Celtic deities. This specific festivity also included people wearing costumes of animal heads and skins as they tried to tell one an others fortunes.

When the Romans conquered the area in 43 AD, they consolidated two Roman celebrations with Samhain. Feralia took place in late October and it commemorated the passing of the deceased and Pomona was celebrated for the goddess of fruit and trees. It truly is thought that apple bobbing was part of this celebration.

Christianity came into this region in 800. Pope Boniface IV proclaimed November 1 as being All Saints Day to be able to respect saints and martyrs. It was a church approved holiday and was also identified as All-hallowmas. The night time before was called All-hallows Eve. In 1000 AD November 2 became All Souls Day to remember the deceased by the church. Events featured huge bonfires, parades and costumes of angels, devils and saints. All three events were now called the Eve of All Saints, All Saints and All Souls and they became Hallowmas.

Halloween in America

When the Europeans immigrated to America, their unique traditions and ideas came along. The southern colonies as well as Maryland began a community party celebrating the harvest and nearby neighbors would take pleasure in telling stories of the dead, telling fortunes, singing and dancing. In mid 1800 these kinds of autumn celebrations were typical but they just weren't recognized in all places.

In the latter part of 1800, many Irish immigrated to America bringing the Irish and English practice of Halloween. Costumes were worn and the practice of going house to house asking for food and money started the tradition of trick-or-treat.

At the turn of the century, Halloween had become a day of events for both children and adults emphasizing games, foodstuff and Halloween costumes. Today this tradition of a Halloween party continues and it's believed that $6.9 billion is spent on the Halloween USA holiday each year.

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