Halloween is getting bigger by the year. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats. The current English name Halloween traces back to medieval Christianity.

In America, the highly commercialized celebration brings to mind trick-or-treating and fun gatherings filled with Halloween party games and spooky treats, but the holiday has some convoluted origins to say the least. 

The Halloween holiday remains a popular in America today, but it actually almost didn’t make it across the Atlantic. The Puritans were disapproving of the holiday’s pagan roots, so they didn’t take part. The American colonial Halloween celebrations that did take place featured large public parties to commemorate the upcoming harvest, tell ghost stories, sing, and dance.

It was not until the second half of the 19th century as Irish and Scottish immigrants began to arrive in America in greater numbers that the holiday took hold as part of the national zeitgeist. It’s estimated that by the early 20^th century, Halloween was celebrated across North America by the majority of (candy-loving, costume-wearing) people.

Putting the history of Halloween to one side it has now become nearly as huge in the UK as it is in the US. Products start coming on the market at the end of August and it’s a night for the children to dress up and the adults too.

On the food side you can buy Halloween sweets from Amazon, Pumpkins from just about anywhere, and cook books especially for Halloween recipes. Celebrate the spooky season with great Halloween gifts for kids and adults, and from chocolate and pumpkin spiced treats to fun seasonal homewares.

Source: History Country Living