Why do we celebrate Halloween?

Can you believe it’s that time of year again? The leaves are changing and the days are getting shorter, meaning that soon we will be seeing kids running around trick or treating! Halloween is always a great time of year, it means too many sweets and an excuse to dress up! There are so many Halloween fancy dress options today, but why do we celebrate this horror-filled holiday?

Halloween is believed to have originated from Celtic harvest festivals, which would celebrate the end of summer and welcome the darker months of the year. This time was also believed to be when boundaries between worlds would fade, meaning that many thought they could see spirits. The souls of the dead were said to have visited their homes and seek hospitality, people would even leave food and drink out for their deceased loved ones.

In more modern times, Halloween is still celebrated across the world. Trick or treating originated in England in the Medival Period, where people would go from parish to parish begging the rich for cakes in exchange for prayers. In the early 20th century, costumes became popular across Europe and the US. Traditionally all were modeled on supernatural beings like vampires, witches and devils, whereas now, the most popular costumes can be celebrities and film characters!

What are you planning to dress up as this Halloween?