Halloween is celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm in many countries on October 31 to pay tribute to those who have left the abode. It is celebrated annually on the eve of the Western Christian holiday All Hallows’ Day, marking the beginning of the season of Hallowmas or Allhallowtide. It is the time in the Christian liturgical year dedicated to the memory of the dead, including saints, martyrs and all departed souls.
History of Halloween
Celebrated every year on October 31, this day marks the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the winter season. The origin of this day goes back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This was a time when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts.
Meaning of Halloween
This day began to be celebrated as Halloween after Pope Gregory III. in the 8th century he designated November 1 as “All Saints’ Day,” a time to honor all saints. Over time, the evening before All Saints’ Day came to be called All Hallows Eve and eventually received the name “Halloween”.
Halloween rituals and activities
Over time, activities such as trick-or-treating, jack-o-lantern carving, partying, wearing costumes, and eating treats came to be associated with Halloween. Other Halloween day customs include Halloween costume parties, bonfires, apple throwing, fortune telling games, pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories, and watching horror or Halloween-themed movies.
Halloween card
Below are specially adapted Halloween cards:
