The peak of October brings the Halloween season to the center stage. The essence of Halloween has evolved over time from its Celtic roots to its modern aesthetic.
Halloween began with Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival held on Nov. 1, marking the beginning of the new year. In Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, people gathered to light sacred bonfires, dress up in costumes, tell each other’s fortunes and repel ghosts. The day before, Oct. 31, was named All Hallows Eve, establishing the connection between the living and the dead and symbolizing the transition into the cold winter.
However, by the ninth century, Christianity began to take over these traditions.
The Catholic Church instituted Nov. 1 as All Saints’ Day to honor the saints of the church and established Nov. 2 as All Souls’ Day to honor the dead. During this time in England and Ireland, impoverished families would visit wealthier homes to receive soul cake pastries in exchange for prayers for the souls of deceased loved ones.
American consumerism took this practice and embellished it to create the classic and beloved tradition of trick-or-treating. What started as gifts of soul cakes later became treats of candy.
Along with trick-or-treating, carving Jack-o-Lanterns is a popular activity to commence the Halloween festivities. This activity originated in Ireland and Scotland in the 1800s from the myth of “Stinky Jack” who tricked the devil and wandered as an evil spirit. Carving vegetables and pumpkins mimicked Jack’s lantern and aimed to frighten Stinky Jack.
Since then, the eerie and spooky sense of Halloween has been of utmost importance.
To carry the scary themes into the modern world, Halloween season is full of pranks, scary stories, frightening decorations and horror movies. In 2023, 46.5 million people attended a haunted attraction, seeking adrenaline, fear and suspense. The spooky stories that were developed centuries ago have now expanded to encompass entire houses, hayrides and corn mazes with fear to frighten people during the fall months. Popular haunted houses in the Quad Cities include Factory of Fear, Terror at Skellington Manor and Shock House.
Many people thrive with the adrenaline rush of haunted houses and enjoy participating in this fun and fearful experience. “Going haunted housing is one of my favorite activities to do during the Halloween season. It’s always an exciting and unpredictable experience,” said senior Jacqueline Anderson. “It’s a fun way to challenge your fears and create funny memories with friends. Plus, the spooky atmosphere gets you in the Halloween spirit.”
While many enjoy the thrill of being scared as Anderson noted, the scary side of Halloween is not fit for everyone.
In contrast to the terror of some Halloween traditions, new trends of the cute fall aesthetic– promoted by social media–have emerged. Scented candles, pumpkin spice treats, cozy flannels and pumpkin patches are just some of the many adored aspects of the fall season.
Halloween can be a season of fear, but it can also be a season of comfort. “Nothing beats the feeling of curling up with a good book under a blanket with a fall-scented candle burning,” expressed junior Addie Speidel.
While Halloween was founded around cultural traditions, many families today have created their own traditions with family and friends to make fun memories in the fall season. “My favorite fall activity is walking my dog through my neighborhood when all of the leaves are changing colors,” remarked senior Ava Hartsock. “I also enjoy decorating the house for trick-or-treaters with my mom.”
The dichotomy between the cozy and spooky sides of Halloween allows everyone to celebrate in a way that suits them. From “Hocus Pocus” to “Halloween” to “Ghostbusters” to “Scream,” many movies are in high demand during the fall season. “My family normally watches ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ together around the fall,” added Hartsock.
Starting with Samhain and now overtaken by American consumerism and modern trends, Halloween is celebrated with varying approaches. Whether it is trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, watching movies or honoring the dead, different cultures interpret the evolution of Halloween in their own way. Halloween may change even more in the future.
