The Origin and History of Halloween: How It All Began!
As strange as it may sound, Halloween did not originate in North America at all, even though North Americans have a blast on this day, with fancy dress parties, candies and scary decorations. Halloween was originally introduced by the Celts. They used to call it “Samhain”. It was celebrated three days before 1st November, as well as three days after it; this period was essentially known as the dark season of the Celtic year.
The Celts were very superstitious by nature and used to believe that evil spirits leave their graves on this day and roam on the face of earth in order to inflict various kinds of diseases on the living beings!
Originally, there was no pumpkin decoration or anything of that sort. People used to carve scary faces out of turnips and potatoes and light fire inside them. On this day, even barbarians were treated like honorable guests by the Celts; they were given food, drinks etc. and allowed to enjoy the mirth with the rest of the society!
Later, when the whole of Europe converted to Christianity, Samhain was replaced by All Hallows Eve! When the Europeans discovered the New Word America and colonized it, they imported the custom of All Hallows Eve with them in America. However the present Halloween as we see it, is actually the contribution of Irish emigrants, and it has little to do with Samhain!
Here are some countries which celebrate Halloween:
1. USA: Of course, Halloween is probably one of the biggest holidays in USA. Is USA it is celebrated like nowhere else, with a lot of commercialization, fancy dress parties, scary decorations and costumes, etc.
2. Scotland and England: Scotland and England are two countries which haven’t,
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