Halloween is without a doubt a fun filled time of the year. Not only for kids but also for men and women as well. After all, who doesn't love getting decked out as his or her favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and head out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween celebration. Halloween is an event recognized everywhere and in nearly every nation as there are seasonal and faith based associations which are popular. It has existed for nearly 500 years.
There is some conjecture on the beginning of Halloween(not the name) but the occasion. A number of 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 however, more frequently associated with the Celtic festival known as Samhain, a Gaelic event that celebrates the end of summer.
The name "Halloween" is more commonly connected with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night preceding All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and through the ages All-Hallows-Eve grew to become Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is commemorated world wide, though not every cultures observe on this date. Some nations celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.
Halloween has lots of symbolism and imagery that has developed through the years many 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 craze of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings. Additionally, there are numerous activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is probably the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast get dressed up and go house to house within their neighborhoods gathering candy and sweets. There are Halloween functions, prank playing, games which include bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.
Among the most popular foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack that is a fruit bread.
Halloween is representative of the season of the harvest occurring at 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 assert it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the beginning of the American Football season, and several other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.
There is some conjecture on the beginning of Halloween(not the name) but the occasion. A number of 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 however, more frequently associated with the Celtic festival known as Samhain, a Gaelic event that celebrates the end of summer.
The name "Halloween" is more commonly connected with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night preceding All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and through the ages All-Hallows-Eve grew to become Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is commemorated world wide, though not every cultures observe on this date. Some nations celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.
Halloween has lots of symbolism and imagery that has developed through the years many 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 craze of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings. Additionally, there are numerous activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is probably the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast get dressed up and go house to house within their neighborhoods gathering candy and sweets. There are Halloween functions, prank playing, games which include bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.
Among the most popular foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack that is a fruit bread.
Halloween is representative of the season of the harvest occurring at 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 assert it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the beginning of the American Football season, and several other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.
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