Halloween ~ holiday gifts supplies and resources at farmers market online

The Haunted History of Halloween

People across the world dress up as monsters, princesses or their favorite movie star for the holiday called "Halloween" -- a contracted version of "All Hallows Eve," on the eve of All Saints Day (November 1).

The observance as we know it began in 5th century Celtic Ireland, where summer officially ended on October 31. The Celts are said to have believed that the laws of space and time were suspended during this day, allowing spirits of the dead to intermingle with the living. Some disembodied spirits would even try to possess living bodies.

On Halloween, the Celts would extinguish the fires in their homes, dress up in a ghoulish garb, and parade around the village in order to make themselves and their homes look as undesirable as possible in order to keep to the disembodied spirits away.

All Soul's March

In the crisp chill of October night costumed children toddle down darkened lanes, their tittering voices fending off silence.

They come dressed as ghouls and monsters, aliens of outer space and starship captains from the 25th century. Masked as heroes and demons, wild animals and crazed villains, our youth knocks upon the doors of strangers demanding treats.....

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Samhain

An ancient Celtic holiday celebrating the dark season -- “Samhain” -- was one of the inspirations for the holiday now known as Halloween. Samhain was celebrated three days before and three days after November 1.

Halloween in Scotland

Halloween celebrations include children wearing costumes. Some cut scary faces into large rutabagas and place a candle inside them. They receive candy when they provide a nice entertainment to their neighbours.

Trick or Treating

Trick or treating originated in Ireland. Many Irish houses are decorated for the holiday with Halloween lights. Festivities include children in parading in disguises while carrying lanterns cut into large rutabagas. They are rewarded with sweets by their neighbors.