It's almost time for Halloween!

Classic Halloween Traditions - Halloween traditions play an important role in passing on cultural and religious history. They also allow families to strengthen their bond while creating important memories. Often traditions are passed on through generations of a family, giving members positive experiences to look back on. Another reason Halloween traditions are important: They are fun!

Trick-or-Treating - It’s believed that trick-or-treating comes from various Halloween traditions combined. Some of the customs which have affected American trick-or-treating may include souling, mummering and guising. 

It’s a common believe that during Halloween, the veil between the living and the dead is at it’s thinnest. Ancient Celts thought that during this time the spirits of the dead could walk the earth and some wanted to go back to their old homes. Families would place food for the spirits to eat outside their home and chairs for spirits to rest in. Eventually this practice led to the poor stopping by to eat the food in exchange for whatever they could offer.

What Are You Going To Wear? - Wearing Halloween costumes is one of the ancient Halloween traditions that goes back 2000 years to the festival of Samhian. The Celts believed in the idea of trying to blend in with all the dead spirits wandering around. A common Celtic costume consisted of an animal head or skull worn over the person’s head and animal skins covering their body. This may sound like a strange practice, but keep in mind that during these times Winter caused fear, uncertainty and long dark nights.

Costumes became one of the popular Halloween traditions in America around the 1950’s at the same time trick-or-treating rose in popularity. However unlike today, most costumes were made from items already found in the home. Today the Halloween tradition of wearing costumes is still going strong in America, with both adults and children participating. Modern costumes often have a mix of both store bought and hand made elements to them.

Jack-O-Lantern, Jack O Who? - One of the coolest and strangest Halloween traditions is the custom of the jack-o-lantern. So why do we cut open a pumpkin, empty out its guts, carve a face in it and then fill it with fire?

Well, it all started will the festival of Samhain. Back in the day in Ireland, Celtic druids and celebrants would carve open a turnip and place an ember inside. They did this both to keep the darkness away and to keep evil spirits at bay. Keep in mind, back then it was dark. Very dark, and Winter nights were long. Combine that with the idea that during Halloween the veil between the living and dead was at it’s thinnest and spirits were walking the earth. (Source)