Halloween: Influenced by Ancient Holidays

This post focuses on Halloween as practiced in the United States and as influenced by European traditions. The term “commercial Halloween” is used to distinguish practices from religious observances that take place on or near Halloween.

There are three main holidays that influenced the practices of a commercial U.S. Halloween.

Samhain

This Celtic autumnal holiday was a time of practicing witchcraft, often with the goal of attempting to connect with the dead or the spirit world. Fire, masks, and offerings of food or sweets may have been part of ancient Samhain observances.

In the 21st century, Samhain is sometimes referred to as The Witches’ New Year. Like the ancient holiday, this is still a time for practicing witchcraft and some may use the day to honor their dead ancestors. It is still believed that the “veil” between the spirit world and the human world is thinnest on this day.

Pomona

Pomona was a Roman deity of orchards. Specifically, the apple was connected with Pomona. The Romans had a feast day dedicated to her and as a way of marking the start of autumn.

Then again, some believe that the Feast of Pomona cannot be proven.

Whether or not the feast day existed, the idea of a woman/goddess named Pomona who is important to apples is present in many historic paintings and other forms of art. 

All Saints Day and All Souls Day

Technically, these are two separate holidays, but I’ve combined them as influences because they coordinate with each other. 

All Saints Day, a celebration that began in the early Christian/Catholic church, was also known as All Hallows Day. That made the night before All Hallows Eve. 

All Souls Day is the day after All Saints Day. All Souls Day is a time for honoring the dead.

Honorable Mention: Guy Fawkes Day

Guy Fawkes Day remembers a man, Guy Fawkes, who was part of a Catholic group that tried to blow up the British Parliament. This was when the official British religion was Protestant and Catholics were not allowed.

The plan failed, but Guy Fawkes was caught and sentenced to death for his role in the plot.

The next year, there was a celebration, including bonfires and burning effigies of Fawkes. These traditions, or something like them, continue today.

How did we get to a modern Halloween?

Throughout the centuries, there was a lot of cultural mingling. Customs were mixed. For political and religious reasons, some holidays were banned and others promoted. But we all know, just because something is forbidden, that doesn’t stop people from doing it.

As time went on, the religious connections to certain practices were lost or considered less important. The fun parts of celebrations, like getting candy or dressing up in costume, were used as reasons for friends and communities to have fun together.