Halloween Theme Page

Introduction to Halloween!

At the end of October people have been celebrating different holidays and festivals for thousands of years. The Celts celebrated Samhain (pronounced "sow-in", with "sow" rhyming with cow) which signalized the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season. They believed that every year on the last day of October the souls of the dead visited earth.

Around the eighth century, the Christian church made November 1 All Saints' Day to honor all of the saints that didn't have a special day of their own. Over the years these festivals combined to become Allhallowmas (the mass of all Hallows - saintly people). The night before was known as All Hallows Eve, which later became Halloween.

Halloween wasn't always a happy and joyous time in America. Some used to call it Devil's or Hell night because of all the mischief that was caused. Today Halloween has become a family event where children dress up in costumes and go trick or treating door to door for candy.

In Mexico they celebrate El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) which is considered by many to be the most important holiday of the year. Like Halloween, El Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on October 31.

Source: Ben and Jerry's Halloween Page

http://www.benjerry.com/halloween/

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