Halloween is without doubt one of our strangest celebrations. It originated many hundreds of years ago and is not associated with any particular religion.
Many people believe it has roots in Celtic traditions or its origins are pagan, or is even related to early harvest festivals. Others believe that it marks the day when dead souls revisited Earth.
However, the name 'Halloween' has distinct Christian origins. The Roman Catholic Church incorporated the festival into the Christian calendar, as a way to try and stop what were perceived at the time as non-Christian celebrations.
On 1 November 731 AD, All Saints' Day (All Hallow's Day) was declared . Therefore, October 31 became All Hallow's Eve. This became shortened shortened in time to Halloween, and has been celebrated ever since.
Certain traditions - such as pumpkins - have been imported from the USA. Can you believe that our earliest version of the jack-o'-lantern (Pumpkin) was created using the humble turnip!
It has been suggested by some that Trick or Treating is linked to Celtic folklore, but others are addament that it derieved as a way to control young people's nighttime pranks at Halloween.
Whatever its roots, the tradition of Halloween is still celebrated in this country today, with Adults having just as much fun as the children! Halloween has often become just another excuse to have a Party!! (and why not?)
Parties are now commonplace at this time of the year, with people really getting into the 'spirit' of things.
However you choose to celebrate Halloween this year, we hope you have a safe and fun time!
Take a minute to browse through our extensive range of Halloween Fancy Dress Costumes, Decorations, and other superb Halloween themed party supplies HERE.
