Yes! It’s a Halloween holiday, yay!
Halloween is a spooky and fun celebration on October 31st every year. During this time, people dress up and carve pumpkins.
They also go trick-or-treating. They watch scary movies. They enjoy time with family and friends. But do you know where Halloween came from and what it means?
Hey there! In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the origins, traditions, and fun activities that make Halloween a particular time of year. So please grab a cup of cider, and let’s explore together!
Halloween originates from the Celtic festival Samhain, marking the transition from summer to winter. The Celts thought that on this night, the line between the living and dead got fuzzy.
The ancestors’ spirits came home to visit. The Celts honoured them with bonfires. They gave them food and drinks. They wore masks and costumes to scare away evil spirits.
After the Romans conquered the Celtic lands, they combined their festivals with Samhain. There were two celebrations: Feralia, for the dead, and Pomona, for the goddess of fruits and trees. The symbol of Pomona was an apple, which may explain why we bob for apples on Halloween today.
In the 8th century, the Christian church created All Saints’ Day on November 1st to honour saints and martyrs. All Hallows’ Eve, the night before, later evolved into Halloween. On this night, people prayed for the souls of the dead and asked for their blessings.
They also dressed up as saints, angels, devils, or ghosts and went from house to house, asking for food or money in exchange for songs or prayers. This practice is called souling.
In the 16th century, another tradition emerged in Scotland and Ireland called guising.
Children dressed in costumes and went from door to door, asking for treats or performing tricks. People used to make lanterns from turnips or beets with scary faces to keep evil spirits away. The lanterns were named Jack-o-lanterns after a legend about a man named Jack. Jack tricked the devil and was cursed to wander with a turnip lantern.
When Irish and Scottish immigrants came to America in the 19th century, they brought their Halloween traditions. They soon switched from turnips to pumpkins, which were more abundant and accessible to carve. They also popularised trick-or-treat, which means either give me a treat or I will play a trick on you.
The Traditions of Halloween Today, Halloween is celebrated in many countries worldwide. It is a time to express creativity, have fun, and enjoy some scares. Some of the most common Halloween traditions are:
- Dressing up in costumes: People wear costumes that reflect their personalities, interests, or fantasies. Some dress up as characters from movies, books, or games. Others choose to dress up as animals, monsters, or celebrities. Some even make their costumes from scratch or use everyday items.
- Carving pumpkins: People buy or grow pumpkins and carve them into different shapes and designs. They use knives, spoons, or special tools to cut out eyes, noses, mouths, or other features. They also scoop out the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin. They can roast the seeds for a snack or use them for other recipes. They can also make pumpkin pie or soup from the pulp. They place candles or lights inside the pumpkin to make it glow at night.
- Going trick-or-treating: Children (and sometimes adults) go from house to house in their neighborhood wearing costumes and carrying bags or buckets. They knock on doors and say “trick-or-treat” when someone answers. The person then gives them candy or other treats. They may play a harmless prank on the person or their property if they do not get goodies.
- Watching scary movies: People watch horror-themed films with elements of suspense, mystery, or thrill. They may watch classics like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Exorcist, The Shining, or Psycho. Or they may watch newer movies like The Conjuring, Paranormal Activity, Saw, or The Purge. They may watch alone or with friends or family.
- Having parties: People host or attend parties where they can socialize with others who share their interest in Halloween. They may decorate their homes or venues with spooky items like cobwebs, skeletons, bats, spiders, or ghosts. They may play games like bobbing for apples, pinning the tail on the donkey (or cat), or charades. They may also have contests for best costume, pumpkin carving, or scary stories.
Do you want to scream, laugh, and have a blast with your friends and family this Halloween season? Then check out these fantastic events that will make your October unforgettable!
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood: Experience the ultimate horror extravaganza at one of the most famous movie studios in the world. Face your fears in eight terrifying haunted houses featuring iconic characters from Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, The Exorcist, and more. Plus, enjoy thrilling rides, live shows, and scare zones that keep you on your toes. This event is not for the faint of heart, so be prepared to scream your lungs out! Book Now!
- Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando: If you love marine animals and spooky surprises, this event is for you. SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a haunted wonderland with four new haunted houses, six scare zones, and three live shows. Plus, you can ride some of the park’s most thrilling coasters in the dark, such as Mako, Kraken, and Manta. Don’t miss this chance to see SeaWorld in a new light! Book Now!
- Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND California: For a family-friendly Halloween celebration, head to LEGOLAND California and join the Brick-or-Treat Monster Party. Meet LEGO monsters and characters, trick-or-treat through the park, and enjoy themed rides and attractions. You can watch electrifying live shows and dance parties and try delicious seasonal treats. And remember to wear your costume to win incredible prizes! Save your spot now and enjoy a heavy discount!
- Castle Dark at Castle Park: Castle Park is a fun-filled amusement park that offers something for everyone. But when night falls, it becomes Castle Dark, a spooky Halloween event that will make you shiver with delight. Explore four haunted mazes, each with a different theme and level of scare. You can also enjoy some of the park’s regular attractions, such as mini golf, arcade games, and carnival rides. And if you’re feeling brave, you can try the new Ghost Blasters ride, where you can shoot lasers at ghosts and ghouls. Book Now!
- Hallowboo at Idlewild & Soak Zone: Idlewild & Soak Zone is a famous amusement park and waterpark with over 35 rides and attractions. During the Halloween season, it becomes Hallowboo, a kid-friendly event that features trick-or-treating through Story Book Forest, costumed characters, themed rides and attractions, kid’s mazes, and more. You can also watch live entertainment, such as meet and greets with Princess Lily and Daniel Tiger and an interactive dance party at the Hillside Theater. Book now for early bird offers!
- Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland: It is a magical theme park celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It’s also home to Happy Hauntings, a delightful Halloween event that features over 30 themed rides and attractions. You can also enjoy special shows and entertainment, such as the Topsy Turvy Tea Party ride, the Monster Mash dance party, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail. And remember to visit the new section of the park, Miniland San Diego, where you can see LEGO recreations of the city’s landmarks and buildings. Grab the offer!
Final Thoughts
Halloween is a holiday that has a rich and fascinating history. It is a time to celebrate life and death, fear and fun, tradition and innovation. It is a time to express yourself, have fun with others, and enjoy some scares.
There are many fun things to do on Halloween, such as wearing costumes, carving pumpkins, and going trick-or-treating. You can watch scary movies, have parties, or try fun activities.
Whether you’re looking for scars or smiles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So don’t wait any longer – book your tickets now and have a happy Halloween!