Halloween is celebrated on the night of October 31 each year. The concept of Halloween originated in Ireland. When Irish immigrants came to USA, they conveyed their version of Halloween and it evolved to a form we enjoy today. Apart from US and Ireland, this event is also celebrated in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Historical Account

In Ireland there used to be a Celtic festival know as Samhain. The festival marked the end of harvest season. The term Halloween is short form of All-hallow-even, as is was the evening of All Hallow’s Day or All Saints’ Day. Halloween is also known as Celitic New year, as it was celebrated by people belonging to Gaelic culture.

On the occasion, ancient pagans used to slaughter livestock and get stock of supplies for winter. According to Gaels on October 31, boundary between dead and alive disappeared. On that day the dead would cause problems to living by damaging crops and causing sickness. The people celebrated the night by bonfires. Bones of slaughtered animals was thrown in the fire. The ancient people also used to wear masks and costumes to show the representation of evil spirits in the Halloween festival.

Halloween Parties, Games and Activities

On the Halloween young folks play games like trick or treat, bobbing for apples, Puicini etc. in bobbing the apples, apples float in a large basin of water and the contestants have to use their teeth to remove them from water. This game is also played with several modifications. Puicini game was also played in Ireland in the old days. In the game a blindfolded person is presented a set of saucers and asked to make a choice. As the legend says, the choice determines the person’s fait.

People also enjoy watching horror movies. Several movies are released each year just for the occasion. This event also has its own dishes. People share apple candies and barmbrack, which is a popular fruit cake. People also visit Halloween theme parks and enjoy Halloween parties playing theme songs.