On October 31st, we all
enjoy the traditions, folklore and fun rooted in the
celebration of Halloween or holy evening. But
many well known superstitions and symbols are connected
with this holiday.
Ghosts and Goblins
Druids, in ancient times,
believed that ghosts, spirits, fairies, witches and
elves came out to harm people on this night. The use of
witches, ghosts and spirits in present-day festivities
stems from these Druid beliefs.
Black Cats
The Druids also considered
cats sacred because it was commonly accepted in their
faith that cats were formerly humans who now bore the
feline form as punishment for evil deeds. The form of
the black cat was bestowed upon the worst evil-doers.
Jack-'O-Lantern
The tale of the
Jack-O-Lantern has its roots in Irish folklore. It is
told that a man named Jack stood at the gates of Heaven
but could not enter because of his miserly ways. Hell
refused him entry because he had played practical jokes
on the devil. With no place for his tired soul to rest,
he was doomed to walk the Earth holding a lantern to
await the coming of Judgment Day.
Leaves, Pumpkins and
Cornstalks
The custom of decorating
with leaves, pumpkins and cornstalks comes from the
people of early Europe. Every autumn they celebrated
the harvest with a feast day by sampling the foods which
had been grown during the summer. Their decorations
were comprised of natural elements that could be spared
for the festivities.
"Trick or Treat"
During early times in the
United States, Halloween was a time for playing harmless
pranks. As we prospered, home and business owners were
given an option and a promise. In return for a
delicious "treat" like candy and apples, no pranks or
"tricks" would be perpetrated upon their establishment
or household. "Absolute Blackmail!"
Present-day Halloween is
generally celebrated with a party instead of
house-to-house gathering. Just remember...if you
venture outside on Halloween when the moon is full, you
might see the goblins dancing in the moonlight!
