Halloween

Quote :

History of Halloween, like any other festival's history is inspired through traditions that have transpired through ages from one generation to another. We follow them mostly as did our dads and grandpas. And as this process goes on, much of their originality get distorted with newer additions and alterations. It happens so gradually, spanning over so many ages, that we hardly come to know about these distortions. At one point of time it leaves us puzzled, with its multicolored faces. Digging into its history helps sieve out the facts from the fantasies which caught us unaware. Yet, doubts still lurk deep in our soul, especially when the reality differs from what has taken a deep seated root into our beliefs. The history of Halloween Day, as culled from the net, is being depicted here in this light. This is to help out those who are interested in washing off the superficial hues to reach the core and know things as they truly are. 'Trick or treat' may be an innocent fun to relish on the Halloween Day. But just think about a bunch of frightening fantasies and the scary stories featuring ghosts, witches, monsters, evils, elves and animal sacrifices associated with it. They are no more innocent. Are these stories a myth or there is a blend of some reality? Come and plunge into the halloween history to unfurl yourself the age-old veil of mysticism draped around it.
halloween history
bobbingBehind the name... Halloween, or the Hallow E'en as they call it in Ireland , means All Hallows Eve, or the night before the 'All Hallows', also called 'All Hallowmas', or 'All Saints', or 'All Souls' Day, observed on November 1. In old English the word 'Hallow' meant 'sanctify'. Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians used to observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven, known or unknown. They used to consider it with all solemnity as one of the most significant observances of the Church year. And Catholics, all and sundry, was obliged to attend Mass. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them. The festival was celebrated on February 21, the end of the Roman year. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. Later, Gregory III changed the date to November 1. The Greek Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Despite this connection with the Roman Church, the American version of Halloween Day celebration owes its origin to the ancient (pre-Christian) Druidic fire festival called "Samhain", celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Samhain is pronounced "sow-in", with "sow" rhyming with cow. In Ireland the festival was known as Samhein, or La Samon, the Feast of the Sun. In Scotland, the celebration was known as Hallowe'en. In Welsh it's Nos Galen-gaeof (that is, the Night of the Winter Calends. According to the Irish English dictionary published by the Irish Texts Society: "Samhain, All Hallowtide, the feast of the dead in Pagan and Christian times, signalizing the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season, lasting till May, during which troops (esp. the Fiann) were quartered. Faeries were imagined as particularly active at this season. From it the half year is reckoned. also called Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess).(1) The Scottish Gaelis Dictionary defines it as "Hallowtide. The Feast of All Soula. Sam + Fuin = end of summer."(2) Contrary to the information published by many organizations, there is no archaeological or literary evidence to indicate that Samhain was a deity. The Celtic Gods of the dead were Gwynn ap Nudd for the British, and Arawn for the Welsh. The Irish did not have a "lord of death" as such. Thus most of the customs connected with the Day are remnants of the ancient religious beliefs and rituals, first of the Druids and then transcended amongst the Roman Christians who conquered them.

Halloween's coming up, the day where we go out to get candy and honor the dead or...something.
The quote was from a site about the history of halloween.

I love Halloween, it's one of my favorite holidays.

ohh i have and idea why dont we have for halloween a sonic world halloween background and stuff and everyone has to have a halloweenie avatar or sig !!! :YES:

a Halloween banner would be sufficient.

Although I am not confident in making one.

I don't celebrate Halloween. A banner would be enough.

Yeah, a banner would be nice.

Indeed.
Happy Halloween, everyone.
And at Cappy and Smash:Why not? It's not a christian thing to my knowledge.

It Originated as a christian thing, but like christmas, people that werent christian wanted to celebrate it too XD. But really, These holidays are for everyone anyway.

Christmas: Celebrates the Birth of Jesus, Or Celebrates the gift of giving and kindness.

Easter: The ressurection of Jesus, Or, Celebrates Fertility or the Gift of Life.

Halloween: To Remember. and Honor Jesus at his death, Or a Festive type thing, Created by the Scotish/Celtics and Brought here.

So ya see? Most of these holidays DID originate as Christian Holidays, but Immigrants brought over there ideas and cultures so it changed, For Better or Worse I dont know, but now everyone can celebrate these holidays.

well, at christmas maybe not jews. Near christmas i always feel sorry for my Jewish Friend XD

I seem to remember it being to honor the celtic god of whatever.

I don't belong to any religion so it's all good to me :D

Joe Cool wrote:

Indeed.
Happy Halloween, everyone.
And at Cappy and Smash:Why not? It's not a christian thing to my knowledge.

Thats not exactly the point. Our Religion doesn't allow it, along with pretty much every other holiday most people celebrate.


Well, I forgot that Halloween was today, had no plan or idea for a banner, so this may
be like any other day...
Its already afternoon.

Sorry, everyone.

Oh well its been = ( maybe next time