Fun facts about the history of Halloween

We might have already talked about some of the UK’s spookiest sites but did you know that the tradition actually has a really long and rich history? Here are some fun facts about Halloween.

Halloween is older than Christianity

Yep, you read that right, Halloween has roots that lead all the way back to the Celtic or Pagan celebration of Samhain, which translates into Summer’s End and usually took place around the 1^st November. Much like Halloween, it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest at this time of year and those that celebrated would ward off evil spirits with costumes and bonfires. In fact, Celts would create masks made of animal skins to wear for Samhain.

Trick or Treating has been going on since the medieval times

You might think that Trick or Treating is fairly new but actually it can be dated back to the medieval period, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. Back then, it was known as Guising and saw youngsters going door to door for money or food in exchange for a song or trick.

The Jack O’Lantern didn’t originate with carved pumpkins

Today a Jack O’Lantern is the name given to a carved pumpkin lit up by candles but did you know that he is actually the character in an Irish myth? The myth of Stingy Jack tells the tale of a man who made a deal with the devil and had to roam the earth at night for all eternity, his only light came from a piece of lit coal which was carried around in a carved out turnip.

Halloween used to be romantic

In the 18^th century, one of the rituals associated with this time of year involved young women trying to find out more about their future husbands. One way this was done was by throwing apple peels over your shoulder, it was said that the peel would fall into the shape of your future husband’s initials.

Mischief Night tricks

Traditionally in some parts of the UK, the 30^th October was known as Mischief Night or Goosey Night and was a time for young people to play pranks on their neighbours, something that is now synonymous with the tricks played at Halloween.

It is rare to see a full moon at Halloween

Full moons are thought to be spooky but did you know that a full moon only falls over Halloween once every 19 years?

Black cats are linked to Halloween

Black cats have long been considered the favoured familiar of witches which is why black cats are often left behind at adoption centres and why you’ll see them on Halloween decorations.

There is an actual phobia of Halloween

Samhainophobia is the official name given to anyone who has a genuine fear of Halloween – so it truly is a terrifying time of year for some people.