Halloween originates from the Celtic festival Samhain, celebrated by the Celtic inhabitants of the British Isles. It remained an important holiday even after the arrival of Christianity in the region. The clergy sought to transform this originally pagan celebration — which honored various forces believed to be able to cross into the human world during this time — into a Christian feast of All Saints, dedicated to all known and unknown saints of the Church.
With the spread of Christianity, the ancient Celtic festival and its customs gradually merged with the Christian holiday of All Hallows. Since All Saints’ Day was celebrated on November 1, the evening before it became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which over time was shortened to Halloween.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply