Many Full Moons ago,
Celtics, practicing the Druid religion celebrated New Year's day on November 1. This was
called "All Saints' Day". October 31 was called "All Hallows' Eve". On
this night, the Celts held a fire festival called "Samhain". This night
signalized the close of the harvest and the initiation of the cold and dark season of
winter.
On All Hallows' Eve, it was believed that the doors opened between the world of the dead
and the world of the living. This allowed the spirits of the dead to come into the world
of the living.
The belief was that the spirits were resentful that humans took over their lands. It was
customary to wear disguises to conceal one's identity from the spirits so that they would
not be harmed. Many also would carve turnips to represent faces. (This is how our
Jack-O-Lanterns originated).
During most of these activities, many of the people would imitate the spirits and go from
house to house begging for treats. Practical jokes were played whenever a house failed to
supply treats. There was often the best of food and milk left for the spirits to satisfy
them. (This is were Trick-or-Treat originated).
These Celtic practicesr>
These Celtic practices was brought to America when the potato crop in Ireland failed. Many
of the Irish people who were modern day descendants of the Celts, came to America with the
observance of the Celtic festival practices.
