Halloween: A Celebration of Spooks
Author: Bianca Haidi (FT ‘23), Monica Claudia Tan (BM ‘23), and Nelvina Farelia Sulaiman (BT ‘23)
Halloween or sometimes known as All Hallows’ Eve, is celebrated annually on the 31st of October. Its celebration marks the beginning of Allhallowtide, a time that is dedicated to remembering the dearly departed. Although it is a popular culture it becomes a celebration of all that is horror and supernatural, its origin dates back thousands of years to the Celtic’s New Year Festival (Samhain).
Samhain, which is pronounced sow-in, is of Gaelic origin which means “summer’s end”. It was a pagan celebration marking the end of the summer and welcoming the harvest of the new year. The Celts believed that during Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, and spirits are able to roam about the land of the living. That is why people would often light bonfires and wear costumes to disguise themselves as harmful spirits and in turn avoid harm.
As Halloween evolved from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, it merged with Christian traditions during the 9th century. Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, and the night before became All Hallows’ Eve, later known as Halloween. Over time, especially in North America, Halloween shifted from a formal occasion to a festive occasion. Traditions like carving pumpkins, dressing up in costumes, and trick-or-treating became popular, making it a widely celebrated cultural event focused on fun, creativity, and all things spooky.
Halloween is now a worldwide event where each country celebrates with its own unique touch. As October comes by, shops will be filled with spooky decorations, thrilling costumes, and sugary treats. Want to feel the thrill and scare of Halloween? The adventure of a life time awaits in Halloween 2024 right here in i3L. But beware, this isn’t a journey for the weak hearted, as you must be mentally strong to overcome all obstacles and frights on this faithful day. So come on over and test your limits, if you dare.
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Samhain, which is pronounced sow-in, is of Gaelic origin which means “summer’s end”. It was a pagan celebration marking the end of the summer and welcoming the harvest of the new year. The Celts believed that during Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, and spirits are able to roam about the land of the living. That is why people would often light bonfires and wear costumes to disguise themselves as harmful spirits and in turn avoid harm.
As Halloween evolved from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, it merged with Christian traditions during the 9th century. Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, and the night before became All Hallows’ Eve, later known as Halloween. Over time, especially in North America, Halloween shifted from a formal occasion to a festive occasion. Traditions like carving pumpkins, dressing up in costumes, and trick-or-treating became popular, making it a widely celebrated cultural event focused on fun, creativity, and all things spooky.
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