Halloween

In October 31 ^st many children dressed up in costumes knock on their neighbours’ doors and say ”Trick or Treat” when the door opens. The children looks like pirates, princesses, ghosts, witches or something else. They hold their bags open to catch the candy or other goodies that the neighbours drop in.

History

 Since the 800’s November 1 ^st is a religious holiday known as All Saint’s Day. The Mass that was said on this day was called Allhallowmas. The evening before became known as All Hakkiw e’en, or Halloween.

 October 31^st was the eve of the Celtic new year. On this day ghosts walked and mingled with the living, or so the Celts thought. The townspeople baked food all that day and when night fell they dressed up and tried to resemble the souls of the dead. Hoping that the ghosts would leave peacefully before midnight of the new year the people carried the food to the edge of town and left it for them.

Much later, when Christianity spread throughout Ireland and October 31^st was no longer the last day of the year, Halloween became a celebration mostly for children. "Ghosts" went from door to door asking for treats, or else a trick would be played. When millions of Irish people immigrated to America in the 1840s the tradition came with them.

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