Halloween

Every year October 31 is observed as Halloween in the West. It is traditionally a Celtic custom. The Celts lived more than 2000 years ago. It was believed that at the night of 31st October, dead people appeared from their graves. It was believed that they came back to life on that evening, and were allowed to visit their worldly homes. With the coming of Christianity, the Celtic New Year on 1st November became the Christian festival of All Saints Day. It was also known as All Hallows Day. The eve of the day, that is October 31, became to be known as Halloween. Halloween became associated with ghosts, witches and goblins because as the Celts used to honour their dead on this day. On this day people were frightened to stay at their homes, as they believed that evil spirits visited their homes. Thus, they spend the night outdoors. With the passage of time, people lost their fear of Halloween. The superstition disappeared from people’s mind. In modern times, this day is celebrated as a festival of fun and enjoyment. In America, children dress up in fancy clothes. They go trick-or-treating. This means if one does not offer them sweets, a trick is played over him/her. Even a pumpkin is hollowed out into a laughable face. It is carved on one side and a lightened candle is put in. This is a custom carried since medieval times. Lanterns made of hollowed-out vegetables were hung from trees and gateposts to frighten away devils.