The Truth About Halloween

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

The Origin of Some Halloween Customs and Symbols 

VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES, WITCHES, ZOMBIES:  These creatures have long been associated with the evil spirit world.

CANDY:  The ancient Celts tried to appease wicked spirits with sweets.  The church later encouraged celebrants to go from house to house on All Hallows' Eve, asking for food in return for a prayer for the dead.  This custom eventually became Halloween's trick or treat.

COSTUMES:  The Celts wore frightening masks so that evil spirits would mistakenly think the wearers were spirits and would leave them alone.  The church gradually amalgamated pagan customs with the feasts of the All Souls and All Saints. Later, celebrants went from house to house wearing costumes of saints, angels, and devils.  

PUMPKINS: Carved, candlelit turnips were displayed to repel evil spirits.  To some, the candle in the turnip represented a soul trapped in purgatory.   Later, carved pumpkins were more commonly used. 

Next time: The Truth About Halloween

From the jw.org publications