01 Out 2025 ILC Batalha
Halloween History
When you think of Halloween portrayed by Hollywood movies, you probably picture jack-o’-lanterns glowing on porches, kids in costumes shouting “trick or treat,” and neighborhoods draped in cobwebs. But this spooky celebration didn’t start on American soil—it traveled here, evolving along the way into the holiday we know today.
The roots of Halloween stretch back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in what is now Ireland, Scotland, and parts of northern France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter, a time when the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. People lit bonfires, wore costumes to ward off spirits, and left offerings for wandering souls.
When Christianity spread through Europe, the Church sought to blend these pagan customs with Christian observances. All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows’ Day) was set for November 1, making October 31 All Hallows’ Eve—eventually shortened to “Halloween”.
Halloween crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century with waves of Irish and Scottish immigrants, who brought their traditions to American shores. In the early days, it was a mix of community gatherings, ghost stories, and mischief—so much so that the 1920s saw cities organizing parades and parties to curb vandalism. Over time, pumpkins replaced turnips for carving, “trick-or-treating” became a beloved tradition, and the holiday transformed into a family-friendly (and highly commercial) celebration.
Today, Halloween in the U.S. is a vibrant blend of its Celtic, Christian, and immigrant roots—equal parts spooky fun, creativity, and community spirit. From haunted houses to candy corn, it’s a night where history and imagination meet under the glow of the autumn moon.
Categorias: Curiosidades , Celebrações , Adultos , Eventos , Alunos ,
The roots of Halloween stretch back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in what is now Ireland, Scotland, and parts of northern France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter, a time when the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. People lit bonfires, wore costumes to ward off spirits, and left offerings for wandering souls.
When Christianity spread through Europe, the Church sought to blend these pagan customs with Christian observances. All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows’ Day) was set for November 1, making October 31 All Hallows’ Eve—eventually shortened to “Halloween”.
Halloween crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century with waves of Irish and Scottish immigrants, who brought their traditions to American shores. In the early days, it was a mix of community gatherings, ghost stories, and mischief—so much so that the 1920s saw cities organizing parades and parties to curb vandalism. Over time, pumpkins replaced turnips for carving, “trick-or-treating” became a beloved tradition, and the holiday transformed into a family-friendly (and highly commercial) celebration.
Today, Halloween in the U.S. is a vibrant blend of its Celtic, Christian, and immigrant roots—equal parts spooky fun, creativity, and community spirit. From haunted houses to candy corn, it’s a night where history and imagination meet under the glow of the autumn moon.