Halloween, also known as the Day of the Dead, has transformed over centuries, blending ancient Celtic rituals with Christian customs.
The Evolution of Halloween
Historian Ronald Hutton sheds light on how this beloved festival continues to evolve. Originally, people celebrated Halloween as Samhain, a Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the start of winter. Communities believed the boundary between the living and the dead blurred during this time, making it a night filled with both reverence and fear.
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Christian Influence and Modern Celebrations
As Christianity spread, the Church incorporated these ancient customs into its own calendar. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day became a way to honor the dead, while retaining many folk practices. Today, Halloween is a vibrant mix of trick-or-treating, costumes, and community gatherings. It remains a time to remember departed loved ones and participate in age-old rituals, all while embracing new traditions each year.
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