The Origins of Halloween Have Rich Significance and History
What are the traditional names for Halloween? The original myths surrounding Halloween do derive from historical observation of a number of cerermony laden cultural dates of observance. Samhain, the Day of the Dead, All Soul's Day- these are the alternative names for Halloween. It is the one day and evening in which humanity is to 'hallow', to sanctify, respect or play homage to the dead and thereby acknowledge their ever flowing energy that continues to flow through us. Today the celebration of Halloween could seem to be nothing more than a colorful carnival enabling an opportunity for scary costumes, childish tricks and fun through trick and treating with the family, or attending a fabulous adult's only naughty Halloween party with lots of sexy titillating joviality, thrills and pranks. But there is a deeper sculignificance of Halloween as indicated by many Halloween myths.
Some Interesting Halloween Myths and Symbols
But where did the legend of Halloween begin and what are some of the infamous Halloween myths and legends that still linger today? Adults, teens and kids alike are intrigued and drawn to listen to scores of ghostly tales and legends on this one special scary night of the year to be nothing less than absolutely terrified in the name of fun!
Did you know that the fear of Halloween is called 'Samhainophobia'? The name 'Samhain' was the original title for Halloween given by the ancient Celts. The holiday or celebration of Halloween started in America in the early 19th century and was severely frowned upon before that. The infamous costumes and frivolity of Halloween only began in the 20th century although masks to ward off evil spirits originated with the Celts much earlier. The colors associated with Halloween are black and orange and are symbols of Halloween. Black is symbolic of death and orange is reminiscent of fire, autumn and pumpkins. Black cats are symbolic in Halloween myths as familiars for witches and wizards that worship the famous night of All Hallows Eve!
Today Halloween celebrations are a far cry from its historic Celtic origins in Ireland, Scotland and Britain as this now infamous festivity in the US sees lots of new additions including a vast range of diverse costumes and the especially the popular children's 'trick or treating' ritual.
The jack-o-lantern would have to be a favorite symbol of Halloween and was originally believed to ward off an 18th century old Irish man named Jack that was cursed by the devil to roam the earth forever more after his death because he played too many tricks on the devil to go to hell and was too mean for heaven. Jack-o-lanterns offer protection from Stingy Jack and all the other mean spirits that are believed to walk the earth on the eve of Halloween. The original Jack-o-lanterns were ma de from turnips and potatoes rather than the now popular pumpkin lantern.
How about this fabulous twist for a great pumpkin craft idea for children this Halloween instead of a traditional jack-o-lantern? Pumpkin painting is a fabulous fun activity for kids and parents alike. Goofy, silly and hilarious faces are sure to ward of the spirits of infamous Halloween mythology. Get creative with painted pumpkins, witches, fairies, goblins, scarecrows, spiders and ghosts.
The supernatural aspect of Halloween dates far back to a time when people held the belief that the barrier between the physical and spirit worlds were particularly thin during this one special night of the year. The original ancient Halloween symbols have become nothing less than commercialized propaganda with a huge range of 'spooky' Halloween paraphernalia for Halloween themed entertainment decorating purposes. But as Halloween is a time for plenty of harmless fun, why not put on a witch's hat or a pair of devil ears and have some fun this Halloween? After all, the witching hour will soon be upon us.