Etymology of Halloween
The word "Halloween" is derived from "All Hallows' Eve," which means the evening before All Hallows' Day (or All Saints' Day) on November 1. The term "Hallow" comes from the Old English word "halga," meaning "holy person" or "saint." The "een" part is a contraction of "evening," making "Hallowe'en" an old-fashioned way of saying "the night before All Saints' Day
Origins and Evolution
Halloween's roots trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"), celebrated on October 31. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area now known as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, marked this day as the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.
Americans love Halloween:
The candy, the costumes, and the creepy decor. But as beloved as the holiday is in the states, it didn’t originate here. In fact, the history of Halloween dates back thousands of years to the Celtic celebration of Samhain, a festival that marked the end of the harvest and the start of a new year. The day was also said to be a time when the veil between the living and the dead was the thinnest, and when humans could communicate with those beyond the grave.
Transition to Christian Observance
Initially, All Hallows' Eve was celebrated on May 13. However, in the 7th century CE, Pope Boniface IV moved the observance to November 1, possibly to replace or coincide with the pagan festival of Samhainhttps://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Halloween/. This change was solidified by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century, who dedicated November 1 to honor all saints
So where does the name itself come from? According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, it’s actually two words smashed together. “Hallow” — or holy person — refers to the saints celebrated on All Saints’ Day, which is November 1.
The “en” part of the word is a contraction of “eve” — or evening before. So basically, Halloween is just an old-fashioned way of saying “the night before All Saints’ Day” — also called Hallow mas or All Hallows’ Day.
Modern Celebrations
Today, Halloween is widely celebrated in the United States and other countries, characterized by activities such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, and decorating homes with spooky themes. Despite its modern popularity, the holiday's origins remain deeply rooted in ancient traditions and beliefs about the supernatural.
To know more about my Halloween Activity book for kids: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1724027751?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tpbk_0&storeType=ebooks
#Halloween Coloring Pages #Halloween Activity book.
Comments