Halloween Traditions Have Changed Over Time

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st every year and is a holiday that has roots in ancient Celtic folklore. It is a time traditionally known to be associated with the supernatural, ghosts, witches, and magic. The modern-day Halloween traditions have evolved and changed over the years, and have a very different look and feel than they did in the past. Below, you can see how Halloween has undergone significant changes in the way it is celebrated today.

Halloween’s Origin: Celtic Samhain Festival

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. This festival was a time that was believed to be when the veil between the physical and spiritual world became thin, allowing spirits to travel between the two worlds. During this time, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off evil spirits. The celebration of Halloween as we know it today, however, has undergone quite a few changes since those times.

The Changing of Trick-or-Treating

The most well-known Halloween tradition is trick-or-treating. It has become an American staple and is now commonplace in many parts of the world. However, trick-or-treating had very different origins. In the past, people would go door-to-door to collect food and money to give to the poor. Today, kids dress up in costumes and go house-to-house collecting candy.

The Shift from Creepy to Cute

Another change in Halloween traditions can be seen in the type of costumes that people wear. In the past, costumes were often associated with the darker aspects of Halloween: vampires, ghosts, and witches. However, in recent years, Halloween costumes have shifted to more wholesome and cute outfits such as superheroes, princesses, and animals. The candy and decorations for Halloween have also become more child-friendly and less scary.

Virtual Halloween

The year 2020 saw the world come to a halt with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the globe, locking people up in their homes. This change necessitated a significant change to how Halloween is celebrated. With social distancing norms in place, people had to celebrate Halloween virtually. A lot of people dressed up in costumes, played online Halloween games, watched scary movies, and joined virtual parties to make the most of this holiday season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Halloween traditions have evolved significantly over time to be more playful, lighthearted, and suitable for all ages. From its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain to modern day festivities, Halloween has undergone many transformations. However, no matter how different the traditions may be, Halloween continues to be one of the most exciting times of the year.

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