Halloween is held on Oct. 31, the eve of All Saints' Day,
and observed with traditional games and customs. The word
comes from medieval England's All Hallows' eve (in Old
English, hallow means "saint").
Many of these Halloween customs predate
Christianity, going back instead to Celtic practices associated
with Nov. 1—the beginning of winter and the Celtic
new year.
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All About Bats
Witches and other evil spirits were believed
to roam the earth on this evening, playing tricks on human
beings to mark the season of diminishing sunlight. Bonfires
were lit, offerings were made of dainty foods and sweets,
and people would disguise themselves as one of the roaming
spirits, to avoid demonic persecution.
Survivals of these
early practices can be found in countries of Celtic influence
today, such as the United States where children go from
door to door in scary costumes demanding "trick or
treat."
The Columbia
Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition Copyright 1993, Columbia University
Press. Licensed from Inso Corporation. All rights reserved
