The origins of Halloween in the UK

The Origins of Halloween in the UK

“From ghoulies and ghosties,

And long-leggedy beasties,

And things that go bump in the night,

Good Lord, deliver us!”

Although Halloween – or Hallowe’en, Allhalloween or All Saints’ Eve – is now celebrated around the world on the night of 31stOctober, the origins of this most spooky of spookiest days can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

Celtic Roots

Until 2,000 years ago, the Celts lived throughout Britain, Ireland and Northern France, farming the local lands.  Their year was determined by their growing seasons, with Samhain marking the end of summer and the beginning of the dark, cold winter months.

The Celts believed that on the night of 31stOctober, the ghosts of their dead ancestors would visit the mortal world.  Large bonfires were lit in each village to help ward off evil spirits, whilst Celtic priests – known as Druids – led the Samhain celebrations.

The Druids were also responsible for ensuring that the hearth fire of each house was re-lit from the glowing embers of the bonfires, as it was believed this would help to protect the inhabitants and keep them warm during the winter months to come.

The Romans Are Coming

When the Romans conquered much of the Celtic tribal lands in 43AD, they integrated many of their own celebrations into the existing Celtic festivals.  One such example – and something people still do today at Halloween parties across the globe – is the tradition of ‘bobbing’ for apples.  It’s believed this stems from the Roman goddess of fruit and trees, known as Pomona, her symbol being the humble (but delicious) apple.

Saxons, Jutes and Christians Too

After almost 400 years of occupation and rule, the Romans moved out of Britain.  But in the early 5th Century a new set of conquerors moved in – the Saxons.

Following the first Saxon raid along England’s south and east coasts, a host of Germanic migrants arrived in the east and south-east of England including Jutes from the Jutland peninsula (modern day Denmark); Angles from Angeln in south-west Jutland; and the Saxons from north-west Germany.

In the years that followed, Britain was also introduced to a new religion known as Christianity, which bought with it a number of Christian festivals including ‘All Hallows’ Day’ (also known as ‘All Saints’ Day’) during which participants would remember those who died for their beliefs.

Originally celebrated on 13th May, sometime during the 8th Century Pope Gregory decided the date of the All Hallows feast should be moved to 1st November instead.  It’s believed that in doing so, he was attempting to replace or integrate the Celtic Samhain festival with a related, but church approved, celebration.

Taking Shape

The celebration of Samhain therefore became known as ‘All-hallows-even’, then ‘Hallow Eve’ and ‘Hallowe’en’ and finally ‘Halloween’.  The festival was considered a symbolic and special time of year, with many believing the spirit world could make contact with the living.

Halloween Today

Throughout Britain, Halloween is traditionally celebrated with children’s games such as apple bobbing, the telling of ghost stories and the carving of hollowed-out vegetables such as pumpkins, swedes and turnips.  A candle is usually placed inside the hollowed out section, with the ‘lantern’ then displayed in windows to ward off evil spirits.

The use of pumpkins is of fairly modern origin, imported from the United States, whilst the tradition of ‘trick or treat’ – often thought of as an American invention – can actually be traced as far back as Shakespearian times.

Did You Know…?

• The word ‘witch’ comes from the Old English word ‘wicce’ meaning ‘wise woman’.  In fact, wiccan were highly respected people at one time.
• According to Irish legend, Jack O’Lanterns are named after a stingy old man who, because he tricked the devil on several occasions, was forbade entrance into heaven and hell.  Instead he wandered the Earth, waving his lantern to try and entice people away from their paths.
• The colours black and orange are traditionally associated with Halloween, with orange a symbol of strength and endurance and black typically depicting death and darkness.  This mirrors the traditions of the Celtic festival of Samhain which marked the end of summer and the harvest – represented by the colours orange, brown and gold – and the beginning of the dark winter months, represented by the colour black.
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