Halloween and Its Global Appeal

Halloween is the celebration of dressing up in various costumes, carving pumpkins, and satisfying their sugar cravings. For Wiccans, however, the event also marks the start of the new year. It is the time of year when the lines between the actual and magical worlds are thinnest. As a result, Halloween is the most auspicious time for fortune-telling and making big predictions about the future.

However, you must know that Halloween has changed drastically over the years. People have shifted their way of celebration according to the change in technology, the size of cities, and attitudes about celebrating a holiday as a community. However, you should know more about its history and globat appeal.

History behind Halloween

The holiday season never gets old, no matter how old you are or how many times you have been around the block. Parents have an excuse to drink a boozy Halloween cocktail as their children dress up and go trick-or-treating. Have you ever thought about the origins and history of Halloween in the midst of the Halloween party games and sugar rushes? 

This is what you were missing out on. Let us tell you about Halloween's history and meaning with the hope that it will make your celebrations even more fun. After all, this old-fashioned celebration has been around for a long time. It is far older than you may believe! What about the witches and wizards who have become associated with it? They are also a part of the plot. Here is the real story about Halloween. 

Know the meaning- The last day of October is Halloween, but here is something you might not know. It was previously called All Hallows' Eve among early European revelers, and the phrase literally means "hallowed evening." People used to honor Saints on All Hallows' Eve (October 31) and All Saints' Day (November 1), respectively. The word was later abbreviated to "Halloween," which people still know and enjoy. 

Where did it come from- The pre-Christian holiday of Samhain, celebrated in early medieval Ireland on November 1 as the beginning of a new year, may have influenced Halloween. However, it appears to have evolved mostly from later Middle Ages Christian feasts of the dead, such as All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2. By the 9th century, October 31 was known throughout Western Christendom as All Hallows' Eve, which was later abbreviated to Halloween.

Change in Halloween over the years

During the 1950-60s: In the 1950s, trick-or-treating became popular in the United States for the first time. The concept of youngsters dressing up and going door to door begging for treats has been around for some time, but it took a while to catch on. But once it did, it stayed with you for a long time. It had become a fall ritual by the 1960s.

During the 1970-80s: During this time, Halloween became associated with a new type of horror. The thrill of courting horror with spooky costumes persisted. However, parents began to worry about their children getting poisoned or having razors hidden in the sweets they received. News reports and urban legends were also emerging, making trick-or-treating seem a little less innocent. The event gained greater significance in 1978 as a result of the legendary John Carpenter film of the same name. Michael Myers' hugely successful debut that year spawned a long-running Halloween custom of horror films premiering in late October.

During the 1990s and 2000s: By the 1990s, most parents had recognized that the razor blade claims were urban legends. Whereas, many still chose to take their children out for Halloween in familiar neighborhoods and houses. During these decades, there was also an increase in alternate trick-or-treating possibilities, such as activities at churches and malls. Adult Halloween parties were as popular as they were in previous decades. The market surrounding costumes and confectionery only grew throughout this time.

Different countries, different ways 

Halloween has a global reach and therefore, different countries have different ways of celebrating the same festival. In Cambodia, Buddhists pay tribute to their ancestors by giving sweet sticky rice and beans wrapped in banana leaves to temples. They also gather with family and friends to listen to music and talk by monks. In Germany, Catholic Germans pay respect to saints and make visits to family members' graves. Germans hide knives from October 30 to November 8 so that they avoid disturbing the spirits' everyday knife movement. Mir I. You know what, Halloween has just recently become popular in Japan, owing mostly to American pop culture. They arrange a parade in Kawasaki in which almost 4000 people dress up and stomp through Tokyo's streets. And they take this fancy clothing quite seriously. Countries like Romania, Mexico, China, and Hong Kong are also on the list of countries that celebrate Halloween.

Choose your costume, as it is Halloween

In today's society, Halloween can have a variety of purposes. It is one of the most imaginative holidays since it allows individuals to express themselves through costume and clothes. People also build and decorate their homes in unique ways. This celebration brings people together.

Many people make their costumes at home with common household items. Pumpkins are also inexpensive to carve. As a result, everyone can participate in Halloween festivities. However, it is also a significant event since it is enjoyable for both children and adults. Youngsters go trick-or-treating, while adults dress up for parties.