Halloween: Origins and Development

Halloween originated from the traditional festival of the ancient Celtic people, which has a history of thousands of years. The festival was originally called Samhain, meaning "the end of summer," marking the end of the agricultural season and the beginning of winter. In Celtic belief, Samhain was a time to worship ancestors and commune with ghosts.

Over time, Halloween incorporated elements of Roman Empire tradition and Christianity. In the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV designated November 1 as All Saints Day to honor all saints. This arrangement transformed the festival, originally associated with agriculture, into a celebration of Christian saints.

Halloween is celebrated differently in different regions, but one of the most distinctive activities is the masquerade parade and the wearing of masks. People dress up in costumes as monsters, ghosts, witches and supernatural characters, and sing and dance in the streets. In addition, traditional activities such as pumpkin carving, giving candy to each other and watching various decorative lights are also held.

In recent years, with the spread and exchange of global culture, Halloween has become a popular festival around the world. Many cities host large celebrations such as themed parades, parties, and haunted house experiences. In addition, Halloween has also become one of the favorite holidays for children and young people, who can dress up as their favorite characters, collect candy, and enjoy the fun and exciting atmosphere.

In general, Halloween is a holiday full of joy and surprise, it carries ancient traditions and religious significance, but also shows the modern fashion and creative side. It is an important moment for people to share joy, show creativity and promote traditional culture.