These theories about how Halloween came about are generally accepted by everyone

How did Halloween come about? Halloween is a traditional Western festival. It is said that this day is the most haunted night of the year, so it is also called "Ghost Festival". Next, let’s take a look at the origin and legends of Halloween.

How did Halloween come about?

Legend 1

There are many versions about the origin of Halloween. The most common one is that it is related to ancient Western European countries, mainly including Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The ancient Western Europeans in these places were called Celts. The Celts believed that November 1st of each year was the end of summer and the beginning of winter. This day was an important symbol of the year and one of the most important festivals, known as the "Day of the Dead" or "Ghost Festival." Legend has it that the souls of those who died that year will visit the world on the eve of Halloween. People should let the visiting ghosts see a good harvest and show them a rich hospitality. All bonfires and lights are used to scare away ghosts, but also to illuminate the way for the ghosts to guide them back.

Legend II

There is another theory about the origin of Halloween, which is said to be related to the Catholic Church in Europe. In traditional Roman Catholicism, men or women of exceptionally high moral character are canonized as saints after death. Because saints are endowed with holiness, they are closer to God and are able to make miracles happen on earth. Catholics and some other Christians commemorate saints and ask them to guide their daily lives, and this day is called "All Saints' Day." Initially, Christians set All Saints' Day on May 13th. But in the eighth century, Pope Gregory III changed it to November 1. The Church then officially selected this new date as the day to commemorate the saint's papal consecration.

Legend Three

Before the Christian era, the Celts held a ceremony on November 1st every year to thank God and the sun god for their blessings. However, every year the sun god would be attacked by an evil force called Samhain and imprisoned for six months. Samhain also has two titles, "Lord of Dead" and "Prince of Darkness". During Halloween, all kinds of monsters, ghosts, pirates, aliens and witches come out. The Celts used it to protect themselves and drive away the demons and monsters roaming around. They will put on scary disguises to drive away the evil spirits. After Rome occupied the Celtic land, it combined the Roman festival with the Celtic festival on October 31st to form the current Halloween.