Origins & History of Halloween

Halloween as an event or celebration originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, or Samuin as it was originally known, which celebrated the end of summer, or more traditionally speaking, the end of the lighter half of the year and start of the darker half.

On Samhain, the belief was that the border between our world and the 'other world' was weakened at the time of Halloween, allowing spirits of all kinds, harmful and harmless, to pass through. The rituals associated with Samhain would invite and welcome the ancestors of Celtic families, whilst warding off the harmful spirits. The tradition of wearing of costumes and masks became associated with disguising oneself as a harmful spirit for the purpose of protection.