Origins of Halloween

The origins of Halloween go back in time to the Druid society. A society made up of Celtic warriors, priests, soothsayers, healers, and farmers. Such is the speculation for no one really knows. According to The Skeptics Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll, there have been several writers from the Roman culture that have espoused terms as pagan believers, bards, and philosophers in reference to the "Druids.".

Who exactly were the druids? They were the more intelligent lot of the Celtic society. Or should I say the more insightful on human nature. They understood seasons, the rhythm and patterns of life, and the ebb of human existence.

In such the ritual of Halloween originated from the waning of fall and the coming of winter. Known to the Celts as Samhein pronounced sow-en. History.com. This celebration was also known as a fire festival. Fire gave them life, divinity, and truth. Did not fire warm their hearths and cook their meat? Fire was also there source for razing the harvest fields for the crops to be planted in the spring. Bonfires were lit on the eve of the full moon. We know this today as the autumn equinox and winter solstice. Therefore we can make the assumption the festival would typically fall on or near the end of October.

Ok, now I will get on with my surmise on the origins of Halloween. Samhein festival occurred every fall during the full moon and it was believed this time was in between the realms of the dead and the living. Thus, the dead could walk the lands and the living could communicate with the deceased. Animal heads and animal hides would be worn as costumes to keep the spirit and restless souls away. History.com. Dancing around the large fires was a ritual to celebrate the kindred spirits as well. A moment when all could be uninhibited by the daily routines and burdens of life. The Druids would facilitate the haze of unrequited fantasy. They knew human nature needed an outlet for their strife and grief. The ranking intellectuals of the Celtic society known as the Druids were the first of civilization to recognize the souls of the living and the spirits of the dead.