The Actual Truth About Halloween

The Actual Truth About Halloween

Why is Halloween on October 31? The actual holiday is called Samhain (Summers' End). October 31st, is Samhain Eve. This is the Pagan New Year. Read on to learn more.

Doesn't Halloween have pagan roots? Yes, Halloween has Pagan roots. Christians used Pagan traditions in there own celebration called All Martyrs Day which was established on May 13th, 609 A.D. Pope Gregory III later expanded the celebration between 731-741 A.D. to include all saints as well as martyrs, and moved the day from May 13 to November 1.

Where does the word Halloween come from? It is a contraction of the words " All Hallows Eve" which is what some have come to call All Souls Day. All Souls Day is what they started calling the holiday when they added Saints to the celebration of All Martyrs Day.

Why do people dress up in costumes? Originally, it was to hide their true identity from the spirits of the dead that might pass through the veil at midnight on October 31st.

Why do people say, “Trick or Treat?” Do want me to play a "trick" on you or will you give me a "treat"? Homeless children went around begging for food in groups on this day. If you did not give a "treat" you got a "trick". It's really that simple.

How did witches become a part of Halloween? Witches became a part of Halloween to make them seem evil. The stereotypes surrounding witches were meant to harm those that wish no ill on anyone else. Much like the stereotypes that surrounded those that were brought to America to be slaves. This was not right then, nor is it right now. People are afraid of what they do not understand, and when human beings are afraid of something they make it evil. The word witch simply means "wise one". Whereas, the word "Witchcraft" means craft of the wise.

Anyone with access to the internet can track down the original meanings of these words and most important holiday for Pagans.

Here are web addresses to references that can get you started. The truth is out there, you just have to be willing to let it find you.

References:

http://www.history.com/topics/halloween

http://www.paganlibrary.com/reference/derivation_of_witch.php