2021-10-31 16:13:04
HALLOWEEN HISTORY
Some modern Halloween traditions appeared 2,000 years ago. Back then, this holiday was called Samhain and meant the end of the harvest.
It was celebrated by the Celts who lived in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France. They believed that the dead returned to earth on that night.
Villagers disguised themselves in costumes made of animal skins to drive away evil spirits.
Poor people would visit the houses of wealthier families. They promised to pray for the souls of the homeowners’ dead relatives. In exchange, they received pastries called soul cakes.
In Scotland and Ireland, young people took part in a tradition called guising.
They dressed up in costumes and accepted fruit, nuts and coins from households.
Before collecting their treat they would sing a song, recite a poem, tell a joke or perform another sort of “trick”.
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