Halloweens Origins
Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.1
Legend of the Jack-O-Lantern
"Stingy Jack." According to the story, Stingy Jack, an Irish blacksmith and notorious drunk, had the great misfortune to run into the Devil in a pub. Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a sixpence that Jack could use to buy their drinks in exchange for Jack's soul. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack and not try to claim his soul for ten years. When the ten years had passed, Jack ran into the Devil as he walked down a country road. The Devil was anxious to claim what was due but Jack stalled. Jack thought quickly and said to the devil. "I'll go, but before I go, will you get me an apple from that tree?" The Devil thinking he had nothing to lose climbed the tree as Jack pointed to the choicest apple. Perturbed, the Devil climbed high into the tree after the apple Jack selected. When he was high up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down. Jack, very proud of himself made the Devil promise to never again ask him for his soul. Seeing no other choice the Devil reluctantly agreed.
Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. Being unable to go to heaven or hell Jack asked the Devil where he should go. The Devil only replied, "Back where you came from!" The way back was very dark so Jack begged the Devil to at least give him a light to find his way. The Devil tossed Jack burning coal from the fire of hell to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."2
1. http://www.history.com/topics/halloween
2. http://www.hauntedbay.com/history/jol.shtml
Halloween Costumes of the Past
Our grandparents had scarier costumes than we do.This image is from a slideshow of Halloween costumes in the United States between 1875 and 1955. The image are provide by "Haunted Air," published by Trafalgar Square Publishing. Follow the link to see more. http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/slideshow/spooky-halloween-costumes-past-20505997
Our grandparents had scarier costumes than we do.This image is from a slideshow of Halloween costumes in the United States between 1875 and 1955. The image are provide by "Haunted Air," published by Trafalgar Square Publishing. Follow the link to see more. http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/slideshow/spooky-halloween-costumes-past-20505997
Halloween Costumes for Pets
If you have a furry friend and need costume ideas or a good laugh, check these out.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/pet-halloween-costumes_n_4102437.html?ir=Comedy
If you have a furry friend and need costume ideas or a good laugh, check these out.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/pet-halloween-costumes_n_4102437.html?ir=Comedy
Halloween Costumes for Families
If you want to dress up as an entire family, here are some great ideas.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/family-halloween-costumes-that-will-make-you-want-to-have
If you want to dress up as an entire family, here are some great ideas.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/family-halloween-costumes-that-will-make-you-want-to-have