Halloween is a holiday rooted in ancient times. Historians agree that 
the most of the customs of the holiday we celebrate today probably originated with the Celts of Great Britain. These, Celts, whose religious order was called the Druids, lived in Britain, Ireland and Gaul (a large country encompassing parts of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany- they also sacked Rome) between 500 BC and 500 AD.
The Celts are somewhat mysterious to historians, mainly because they 
did not believe in writing their traditions or history. This knowledge was jealously guarded by the Druids. The Druids appear to have been very powerful. They were the priests and the scholars, tutors to the chieftains sons and it appears they were also judges.
In early Britain, Druids celebrated the autumn festival of Samhain on the first day of Druidic/Gaulish winter. The end of summer brought shorter days, less light, lengthening shadows and the end to the growing season. Even to this day pagan and Christian beliefs alike mix together bringing celebrations of this period- whether it be of the harvest, of the beginning of a new Earth cycle, or a holy day- from Oct 31st until November 5th. The Celts believed that the souls of the dead were allowed to roam freely on October 31st (today several cultures have this tradition on or about Nov 1). This was cause for much celebration (as well as some fear- for good souls and evil alike were freed).
Celts prepared for weeks in advance of the festival, gathering food, ale 
as well as wood and kindling for the community bonfire’s. Young boys went from home to home begging for this wood. The bonfires were believed to give strength to the Sun and to frighten the evil spirits into hiding. Prophecy and prayer regarding the future and imploring the light to return were made. Individual firepits were also prepared for homes at this time for the same reason, as well as to light the way home for their temporary visits from deceased loved ones.
In 500 AD the Celts were conquered by the Romans and the Celtic celebration of Samhain was absorbed into the Roman harvest festival honoring Pomona, thus adding Roman beliefs to those Celtic beliefs and traditions we continue today.
When the Christians subsequently overthrew the Romans, the “pagan” practices of both Romans and Celts were absorbed into the envelope of the Christian religion. As well as a harvest ceremony this was also a time to celebrate the fertility of the earth and 
to prophesy about one’s love. This blending was prompted in part as a tool in the effort to convert the “pagans”, and in part as a conciliatory measure to keep the converts within the realm of the “true faith”. In other words the “pagans” were not giving up their festivities, customs or traditions easily so the Church decided if the mountain wouldn’t come to Mohammed then Mohammed would go to the mountain. When powerful cultures merge homogenization of beliefs and customs occurs.
Similarities between the ancient rites and today’s celebration of Halloween abound. Ghosts, witches and hobgoblins run loose on Halloween night whether they be real, imaginary or costumed people. Darkness continues to exist in Halloween themes. people continue to believe that Halloween holds a special spiritual significance. Many today continue to believe that spirits roam the streets on that special night.
Children dress in costume and go from door to door, not begging for 
firewood, but requesting treats. Candles and lanterns burn brightly, echoing the bonfires of ancient times. Many communities actually hold bonfires as well. Prayers are offered for the souls of the deceased on All Soul’s Day, November 1st. Many churches hold services on Halloween as well. Prophecy survives. For some it is a game, for others a glimpse into the future.
The spirit of the festival of Samhain lives on today. It has been enriched and changed through the ages. Through that enrichment and change the holiday as we celebrate it today was born.
We will continue to explore the changing fate of Halloween observance in our next issue. Until then, Happy Haunting!
hallowich