On October 31st, children of all ages will go door to door asking for candy with this iconic phrase. Halloween is a celebrated tradition where tricks are played, ghost stories are told, and costumes are worn. But where did these traditions come from?
Halloween was rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts believed that on October 31st the realm between the living and the dead allowed for easier passage for spirits to return to Earth. The National Endowment for the Humanities web page explains that this time was the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter months. The death of the crops correlates to the deaths of the loved ones that are returning around this time. The conquest of Celt lands by the Romans led to the spread of Christianity, and the church changed the festival to celebrate saints and martyrs. The festival was named All-Hallows eve and it later became known as Halloween.
What are some safety precautions that everyone should take during Halloween?
Dressing up in costumes originated with the Celtic people because they were afraid to encounter the spirits. In response, they wore masks and costumes to trick the spirits into thinking that they were a part of the supernatural world. Now, dressing up has become apart of the Halloween culture. However, there are some safety guidelines for costumes and trick or treating that everyone should know. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration shares advice for costume safety, eye safety, and making sure candy is safe to eat. It is important to wear bright costumes or ones with reflectors so that you are visible in the night. In addition, it is also recommended that you wear flame resistant fabrics and costumes. For eye safety, it is important to never wear colored contact lenses without first talking to your eye doctor. The decorative contact lenses can cause serious eye disorders, infections, and even permanent vision loss. Many children will receive large bags filled with candy on Halloween. It is important to not eat the candy until it has been inspected at home. The candy should not be consumed if it is not commercially wrapped, looks as if it has been tampered with, and might be a choking hazed for the child. By following these guidelines, you'll have a fun, safe Halloween.
Halloween around the world?
In Mexico, el Día de Muertos is similar to Halloween. It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. The National Endowment for the Humanities web page describes that the Day of the Dead is a blend of European traditions that were created by the combining of Spanish and indigenous cultures. November 1st is All Saints Day, when the lives of children who died early are celebrated. Church bells ring across towns to call the deceased children back to the homes of their loved ones. On November 2nd, All Souls Day welcomes the deceased adults home. It is significant for families to decorate the altars of their loved ones and hold feasts in cemeteries. These festivals allow many people to come to terms with losing a loved one.
What else is going on?
The Library of Congress has a large collection of Halloween materials that display the traditions associated with the holiday. There are book collections, photographs, sheet music, audio recordings, films, and folk tales. The Library of Congress is also holding a Chamber of Mystery Exhibition that shows some rarely seen collection items that pertain to Halloween. Visitors are encouraged to dress up and wear costumes.
Check out the OSU Library's catalog and Education and Teaching Library collection for more resources on Halloween.
What are your plans for Halloween?!
-by Emily Hancz
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