Concept of Halloween

Where did Halloween come from?

Halloween is an event which is celebrated every year. From kids to adults, every one treasures it costuming in an attire and make up of different fictional characters. It’s a party day and party night and nobody wants to miss out on it unless they’re a spoil sport. However, most of us are not aware of the actual history behind Halloween and the reason for celebrating it.

Historical Background

Since we all know that Halloween has been celebrated for years, we also are aware of the fact that it has stemmed from various cultural practices. The history dates back to the Celtic traditions. It was the time when seasons were celebrated in the festival of Samhain. The history behind Samhain and the Celtics entails the reasons as to why do we have all those activities on the Halloween eve. 

Table of Halloween Dates from 2013 to 2023

What is Samhain and Celtic culture?

The word “Samhain” means the end of summer. The harvest season i.e. beginning of winter and end of autumn was highly honored by the Celtics. It was believed that during this interval, the spirits could connect to the living. In turn, the people would sacrifice food and animals in their honor and would burn wood to show them the way back to their world. Later in the 8^th century, as Christians converted the Celts, they regarded these spirits as hell and demons. The Church then celebrated All Hallows or All Saints Day to honor the ghosts and spirits of the Celts in order to preserve the Celtic culture. 

Hence, the world Halloween is created by connecting the names of both All Hallows Day and the Samhain festival. As years passed, people added more colors to their celebrations. The spirit and ghost element in the history of Halloween was incorporated in the themes and costumes. Initially only white clothes along with masks were worn that were a part of the Samhain festival too but now the variety of costumes is infinitely diverse.

The Concept behind the Costumes

Some people believe that the costumes and trick or treat trends were adopted by the Irish and Scottish people. According to the Halloween history, trick or treatwas evolved when the Celtics would presentfood to treat their ghosts and spirits. The activity of trick or treat engages kids in disguising in other creatures and characters while they go around the neighborhood soliciting candies and sweets in every house. They imitate the Celtic ghosts whom everyone owes treats and candies.

Halloween is celebrated every October on the 31^st. That day children are free to stay out late to collect their candies and enjoy the eve. The preparation for the day takes a big deal of planning for kids. It’s celebrated in some of the schools and colleges too. 

Key Facts and Statistics about Halloween

• As per the National Retail Federation, about 179 million Americans celebrated Halloween in 2017.
• According to the National Retail Federation, every American paid on an average about $86.13 in 2017.
• As per the National Retail Federation, total spending on Halloween by the Americans was $ 9.1 billion in 2017.
• According to the National Retail Federation, Star Wars Character, Spider-man, Action/Superhero, Animal (Monkey, Dog, Cat, Lion, etc.), Tie: Princess/Batman Character, were top among the children’s costumes in 2017.
• Marvel Superhero (Captain America, Spider-Man, etc.), Animal (Dog, Cat, etc.), Batman Character (Batman, Harley Quinn, Cat-woman, etc.), Pirate, Witch, were top among the adult costumes in 2017. (As per the National Retail Federation)
• Devil, Pumpkin, Tie: Pirate/Lion/Dog, Bumble Bee, Hot Dog, were top among the pet costumes in 2017. (According to the National Retail Federation)