Halloween is a very special time of year and takes on huge
significance for a vast number of people in different ways. For many,
it's a chance to dress up, wander the streets for a trick or treat
session, gorge on candy and have a party, whereas for others it is a
time of remembrance, of visits to ancestors' graves, or prayers at this
holy time.
But what are the real origins and meanings of this festival that's
commonly associated with darkness, witches, ghosts and ghouls? The
oldest known Halloween celebration was the Celtic Samhain, a time when
the souls and spirits of the dead would find it easiest to return to
visit the living. Food was offered to keep the spirits happy and
eventually the festival was formalized by the church as a time of
remembrance in advance of All Saints Day.
This fun little guide looks at the history of all things Halloween, from
the earliest feasts and customs to the latest fun and games that are
common around the world. We delve into the meanings of many of the
symbols of Halloween, like pumpkins, black cats, apples, witches and
ghosts, and examine the many different ways people celebrate around the
world. There is plenty of fun stuff too: freaky facts, scary poems,
classic candy, spooky songs, stunning stats, horror film suggestions and
all manner of puns, jokes and sayings all relating to the creepiest day
of the year.
SAMPLE QUOTE:
'Halloween was confusing. All my life my parents said, "Never take candy
from strangers." And then they dressed me up and said, "Go beg for
it."' - Rita Rudner
