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The History of Halloween

Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. This tradition started with the Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.


In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honour all saints. Soon, 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 day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes or eating treats.


The word Halloween or Hallowe'en dates to about 1745 and is of Christian origin.The word "Hallowe'en" means 'saints" evening".It comes from a Scottish term of All Hallows' Eve (the evening before all Hallows day). In Scots, the word "eve" is even, and this is contracted to e'en or een. Over time, (All) Hallow(s) E(v)en evolved into Hallowe'en. Although the phrase "All Hallows'" is found in old English "All Hallows' Eve" is itself not seen until 1556.


Borja P, Year 7


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diegohurtadoesteve
Nov 21, 2019

Very interesting article.

Like

v.alvarezcastejon
Nov 20, 2019

Wow! Interesting article,

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