A Celtic Celebration The Origin Of Halloween Predates Stonehenge In England
70Halloween Probably Predates The 3000 BC Stonehenge In England
Druids Celebrating At Stonehenge In England
The Origin Of Halloween
Halloween or more properly All Hallows Eve or Even (evening) is the day before All Saints Day in the Roman Catholic Calender which 'just happens' to fall on the 1st November?
They are many myths and legends about the origin of Halloween. One thing is certain. It predates Christianity and Druidism and springs from the Celts and Celtic celebration.
When we consider the many shops that rent outfits and masks, it has become a full on commercialised celebration. We seem to have lost the real meaning and origin of Halloween.
The Irish or Celtic Celebration
It is the one day of the year, when the dead can rise from the grave and walk the earth; visiting family and friends.
This is the real and original purpose of Halloween.
For the dead to finish off any unfinished business, that the departed left whilst alive.
Very sensible too. The actual terms.
All Hallows Even first appears in the literature in 1556.
Like so many christian festivals; that was grafted onto this much more ancient Celtic celebration and pagan custom of making an offering to the dead.
This still continues to this day in most European countries, most notable Spain's Day of the Dead which also takes place on the 1st & 2nd of November.
It's no coincidence that this Celtic celebration and festival, comes at this time of the year.
Halloween And The Druids
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Stonehenge And New Religions
Halloween comes just a few weeks after harvest.
Any contribution to the finance's of the new religions would have been welcomed.
The people would have wanted to remember their dearly departed and loved ones.
To include the dead and give them a share of the bountiful harvest, in the form of an offering.
In fact. Neo-Pagans (The Druids) in the UK, still practice their ancient rituals on this day.
At Stonehenge in England. See map.
They consider Halloween one of their most holy days; in this holy season.
Halloween is seen by most today as a Christian festival.The Druids also lay claim to it.
In reality the origin of Halloween predates both Christianity and Druidism to this much earlier Celtic celebration.
Stonehenge And Druidism. An Honest Account
Fruitcake Anyone
Candy Apples Origins
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Food For Thought
Halloween food varies from country to country.
In Ireland the traditional food of this Celtic celebration of all hallows eve is a fruitcake. (a barmbrack )
The reasons for this are both ingenious and practical.
Let me take you back to those days before refrigeration and online dating sites.
The making of fruit cakes was a way of preserving excess fruit from the harvest to last through the oncoming winter.
Thats the genius part. Into the fruitcake often a coin, a lucky charm or most cunningly a gold ring if the budget allowed.
Now when you give a slice of fruitcake to your beau.
it just might just contain the ring and being superstitious types,
they would assume that it was fate, and that they should be married, as soon as possible.
Hence very practical.
Either way around it's practically genius.
You bagged a spouse and saved food for the winter.
In other countries in Europe and The USA.
All Hallows comes directly after the apple harvest, candy apples (toffee apples in the UK), are always popular Halloween treats.
They too have a practical purpose.
By rolling apples in a sugar syrup and sometimes rolling them in nuts.
You can create a long lasting, high calorie and highly nutritious food, that can sustain you through the winter.
The origin of Halloween may be lost in the mist's of time.
The lesson however is very simply.
To think about others, even the dead during those long winter months.
To make provisions during the summer to last until the next spring
To rejoice at this point in the year by feasting on the winter store of food.
In order to celebrate this feast, then provisions and preparations 'had' to be made.
Our Ancestors weren't dumb.
If they were, we would not be here?
This Celtic celebration had practical roots.
Myna City Of The Dead. Turkey 5th Century
Going To Church
Halloween Is Now Seen As Scary?
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Carving Images And Dressing Up ?
The carving of scary jack o' lanterns relates to recreating the image of the dead. In Ireland they use Turnips and in America they used Pumpkins.
The garish carvings may have been the result of people opening tombs and seeing the effects of death and decay on the faces of their relations . Today these Halloween lanterns are created to scare away unwanted souls that are walking the earth but probably have the same effect on children.
Candy Festival?
The wearing of costumes and trick or treating (the giving of candy) was an American candy marketing innovation which has curiously been exported to countries around the world in very recent years.
People today love to dress up in garish outfits and costumes and the Halloween festival has stretched throughout the year.
You can go out any weekend in Britain and America and see crowds of girls and boys; women and men dressed in all manner of Halloween costumes and every kind of superhero costumes and outfits.
30 years ago in the UK Hallowe'en was a sombre affair when the most excitement one could hope for was a trip to church for a Mass to pray for the dead. It's was never supposed to be scary. More a celebration to teach our kids to pay homage to their ancestors.
In the UK now and in many other countries Halloween is a full on candy fest! with kids demanding candy with menaces.
With their horrid brat parents behind them giving you daggers if you haven't got candy for their little micro brat.
This is one tradition that we could have done without. Instead of teaching our kids some reverence for their forebears. It has turned into an excuse to sell scary products and fat making garbage. Well we have returned the compliment by sending you... XFactor.
And Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the streets free from dressed up revelers here comes Christmas costume and outfits seasons. It's fair to say the things have changed.
Never thought I'd say it, but I miss the Celtic celebration of All Hallows Eve.
The reverent and incredible sensible Celtic celebration has been hijacked and commercialised beyond recognition.
The real origin of Halloween has been lost, maybe we do not need to make provision for the future? That is a very short sighted view indeed.
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Thanks Aurelio,
I have refreshed this one on the origin of halloween. There is always time for a little celtic celebration lol
Seems as if Halloween and Christmas are both now commerical holidays and nothing as they were intended to be. One day I would love to travel to your side of the world to see wonders like Stonehenge. This has been a fascinating read!
I'll bookmark this range of facts about Halloween and read it again when the day comes. Voting this Up and Interesting. SHARED.
You have an interesting life! I hope you adjust quickly to living in England again. Writing helps.
I went there originally to buy a holiday home.
My wifes family is from there.
Well we got there and I just fell in love with the place and we never left.
It was that simple. I met some great people.
We did volunteer work in the States for several years while applying for a missionary school. After being accepted, we completed the course in under a year and were sent to Peru sight-unseen. It's been quite a ride. We've lived in five different cities and have seen most of the country. We've learned so much about ourselves and others, too. So why did you live in S. Africa for 8 years?
I see from your profile that you are a missionary.
How do you get into that line of work? Just curious.
Exactly! Often wrong and corrupt. : )
Nothing wrong with defying a system, if it is wrong or corrupt! or both lol
Yes, so true. But there are always a few who defy the system.
Hello vespawoolf,
I too met some of the most human and humane people in S.A. Very intelligent and wonderful to be with but with this underlying belief system, that is out of kilter with the 21st century?
Socialisation is a powerful force.
Yes, that sounds about right! We say that we're "stuck in the dark ages". But there are beautiful people here. Sometimes we're just victims of our upbringing and/or other circumstances.
Thank you vespawoolf,
By sharing we learn. I look forward to reading more of your insights from Peru.
The belief systems of the southern hemisphere are intriguing and about 200+ years behind the North as far as I can tell?
Yes, there are a lot of strange superstitions and the like in Peru, as well. I look forward to reading more about your experiences in S. Africa and will continue to comment and share my insights also.
Hello vespawoolf,
There is so much to say on S.A. I am writing hubs about it as I get time. I was quite amazed at the still strong belief in witchcraft.
I am not talking British witchcraft, this is the real deal with some strange goings on indeed.
I must write these pronto. You have inspired me to get them done.
Hello! Yes, I saw in your profile you just returned from S. Africa. How are you adapting to life in the developed world? As far as change, people change on an individual basis but society as a whole is a different matter. As you said, many beliefs are strongly entrenched and go back hundreds of years. I do love Peru, though!
Hello vespawoolf,
It is interesting to hear from someone still 'in the field' doing this important work.
I would love to hear about your experiences along these lines in Peru.
Has it changed much? some of these beliefs are hard to change.
I have just spent 8 years in South Africa. I have first hand experience of these old belief systems and there surprising power to survive.
In Peru, there are also many customs that resulted from the joining of "Christian" and "pagan" beliefs to facilitate political amalgamation. Thanks for your interesting compilation of the history and origins of this holiday!
Hi Martie,
Done and done. Thats what we call team work.
Halloween Boo! lol
molometer - now you've given me an idea. I am linking your hub to mine and here is a link to mine. You will certainly find mine very interesting. http://martiecoetser.hubpages.com/hub/Halloween-th
Hello Martie,
I am so glad you liked it and I will have to have a look at your one and maybe we could exchange links?
Speak later when I have read your hub.
Thanks for the read and comments Martie on this Halloween horror hub lol.
molometer, I have found this hub of yours very interesting, as I've done one on Halloween myself and the research was amazing. How interesting:
"In ancient times whole cities were built for the dead."
I still believe Halloween is the ideal time and festival for major fundraising to the benefit of those who are facing death because of illness and lack of resources.
Thumbs up and carpé diem!
Hi Primpo,
How is the ghost hunting going or is mostly around Halloween?
Hi raakachi,
thank you for the compliments. I am very happy that you learned something about British rituals and enjoyed this story.
A fine fabricated hub. The stories and events are very interesting!Different style and different rituals.Voted as beautiful!
Thanks SubRon7 I appreciate your visit. Time is the enemy hey. Getting a novel written is a herculean feat in itself and then comes the other battles to get it out there. Looking forward to reading it.
A heritage box of Halloween, sounds interesting. Like a time capsule affair? For future generations?
Really good hub, Molometer. I "love" Halloween, and have a large collection from over the years. If I ever retire I plan to create a large heritage box of Halloween. Thank you for the follow and fan mail. Yes, I'm really busy right now, but I'm still following my friends and commenting. Thanks again!
Sounds fascinating. Look forward to hearing more about it.
Yes as a matter of fact. We do everything scientifically . We have demonologist and professional investigator and a few sensatives including myself. I also have a confidant who is a forensic scientist that I will pass things by once in a while, he is a demonolist specialist. so I will be keeping him posted as to things.. looking forward to this work.-
Hi Primpo,
I'm looking forward to your reports on your investigations.
Have you got many haunted places over in Jersey?
I have a paranormal investigation team that I just put together. we are going to start investigations at the end of november, I'm sure I'm posting stories, we didn't get to the graves last night, my daughter was too scared so I brought her trick/treating and went home to study.. lol
LoL Duck...Where?
Shame about the camera though.
We had some fully costumed teenage kids come to the door and exclaim "trick or treat".
My daughter said
"really at your age, your a little old to be doing this, aren't you?"
They deflated and said OK we'll just take one sweet each.
When she closed the door we laughed it was so funny.
She's so mean lol
I forgot to tell you, I yelled so much scaring kids and grownups alike. Now I can't talk. I had so much fun. Kapookie everywhere but camera broke, no kapookie pictures.
Now I don't have to duck And be afraid when I leave a comment. Xanex is expensive
Glad you like it Hubetsvoice.
Pointing a rifle was a tad aggressive lol
Much friendlier picture
Hi rebeccamealey glad you enjoyed it. Thanks
Thanks Primpo,
Can't wait to hear the story of the grave yard? Spooky. I have actually seen a ghost, when I was a kid.
Thanks for a new look on an old Holiday. Great Hub!
Now I'm gonna check out the grave yard tonight!!! I'm a paranormal investigator so I will post stories on our missions soon.. not tonight!!! loved the hub
Hi Leroy64,
Thanks for dropping in.
How weird really? people would actually egg your house if you didn't give them candy.
How bizarre, well thankfully that little part of the US tradition didn't make it across the pond.
People tell their kids not to take candy from strangers and then what do they do?
Parade them around the streets every year doing the exact opposite.
No wonder the kids are confused.
I was wondering where Halloween came from. Honestly, the trick or treating portion may be dying out in favor of parties, at least in Texas. At least no one eggs your house for giving out candy, anymore.
Hi Jenubouka,
Thanks for the visit.
It is a shocker but like you I like a little candy (hazelnut chocolate is my nemesis) and it is high calorie so I have an excuse to eat it in the winter lol
Enjoy the festival and forget the marketing!
Happy Halloween is actually an oxymoron isn't it?
Hello Chris.
Thanks for the read and comments. So your off to Florida, enjoy. Are you going with Johnnie?
All those sweets and candies Chris you better watch your figure lol
Have a great time see you soon.
I found it fascinating how the term and meaning of Halloween got turned into another scheme for marketing, totally ignoring how this was an important way to celebrate or pay respects to the dead. Awesome and funny read, you have given me reason for consuming my excess of candy.
More of these please uncle Mike! Love your writing. Off to Florida tomorrow to celebrate Halloween in style.
See you soon!
Time to climb the wooden hill. Nite nite BOO!
Thanks kids hope your good and scared nowwwwwwww! lol
Awesome hub - love the mmwwaahahahaha ha ha ha
Feel like having a fright night and scaring the b'jesus out of myself!
Boo to you too Molometer!
Voted up
X
Spooky but cool info
Hi Nell,
I bet that was hilarious I would have loved to see their faces.
I saw a guy once in the full get up on the underground and everyone was looking at him and whispering lol.
Shows you that there is a bit of pagan in all of us. Or at least the fear of witches and warlocks.
Now where did I leave my wand lol.
Nice to hear your tale Nell thanks for sharing.
Hi, this reminded me of the time I scared the bazookas of people in my local pub! I used to work there and they said dress up, so I got out all my pagan gear, black lipstick in full swing! lol and went in wearing a very large pentacle around my neck telling them all that I will read their tarot cards! I was amazed at how many of them were whispering, 'shes a real witch, I am not doing my cards with her! ha ha at least I managed to create an atmosphere! lol interesting hub, never knew about the apples, cheers nell
So true stephaniedas,
we needed those high calories to get us through the winter.
Living in those early times when these things arose it was a lot harder than now; at least for most of us.
Glad you liked it. Thanks.
I like this hub. It is fun to revisit the lifestyles of our ancestors.
And it justifies all the candy. Surrounding that good chocolate and peanuts with sugar and fat is how we can preserve them through the winter!
LOL Linda you and me both.
I suppose we could suck a toffee apple to death?
Thanks for the comment and visit. BOO!
Hi Lisa Kramer,
Thanks for dropping in to the maelstrom that is this hub.
Don't be sad sometimes things need to change.
I mean we can't go round burning witches these days? and yet that was a very popular tradition.
Even in the colonies lol.
Have a candy apple on me.
Hi S G Hupp,
Now that's the spirit(pun intended lol) go get them candies.
I must tell you I am real mean and when the kids knock on the door.
I do give them something wholesome like an apple or an orange.
It gives me so much pleasure to watch their little hearts break and spirits being crushed and the horror on their parents faces.
The Horror, the horror Mwah ha ha ha ha!
Thanks for the visit come again... "If You Dare" Wa ha ha ha.
PS The X-Factor is hell for the contestants and absolutely unmissable. The judges are evil incarnate. Enjoy
Well Heellooooo!
Hubertsvoice, can you do me a favour and try to get some video of you scaring the kapooky out of the neighborhood.
I'd pay good money to see that lol.
BOO! have a frightful halloweeeeeeeen!
I liked this hub, I found it interesting & very funny...I love toffee apples, but don't think I could sink my teeth in to one anymore, without a visit to a dentist.
Thanks for the interesting article. It makes me sad how many traditions we've lost while creating new,more ridiculous traditions.
At my house we do note All Hallows Eve as a Catholic tradition, but also fully embrace the candyfied corruption that is the modern American Halloween. Best of both worlds...and I only give daggers to people who try to slip something healthy into my little darlings trick-or-treat sack--the nerve! I've never watched X-factor. Is it that bad?
I just know that it's time to scare the kapooky out of everyone. I just love doing that. M-m-m-mwaa-ha-ha-ha!!!!!
Hi Hush, Hey what can I say.
You send us your junk and we return the favour lol. X-Factor.
Glad you learned something new. Thanks.
Always a bonus and thanks for dropping in.
Very interesting hub! I never knew about the origin of candy apples. Oh, and sorry for corrupting your holiday!
molometer Hub Author 3 weeks ago
Hi Tammy,
It is bizarre how these celebration's have been hijacked over the years.
You must visit Stonehenge if you get a chance. It is kind of mystical to visit in the flesh so to speak.