One can relate differently to the fall of the Iron Curtain, but one thing is absolutely clear: new horizons have opened up for inquisitive people interested in the culture of different countries.
Thanks to American films, post-union residents learned about the eerily fun holiday that is celebrated annually in the United States. Many of our compatriots also fell in love with Halloween - this bright and distinctive holiday carnival. But do we know everything about him? In our article you will find some interesting facts related to the customs and history of this day.
The dark side of the masquerade
Both adults and children dress in costumes, and the specifics of the holiday require a special approach: the scarier the outfit, the better. But did you know that the Americans adopted this custom from the Irish settlers in the 19th century? Initially, dressing up ensured that relatives and friends did not recognize the fun. This allowed everyone to take part in the stormy fun, which was far from always decent.
Pagan roots
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The Celts and Anglo-Saxons celebrated the end of the year when the herds returned home from the pastures, that is, at the end of October. The ancient pagan holiday of Samhain marked the beginning of a new year. It was believed that on this day the souls of the dead can visit their homes and see their relatives. And when the door between the worlds is opened, not only the good spirits of the ancestors, but also evil spirits can penetrate through it. Samhain's night was considered dangerous.
Church influence
Realizing how strong ancient traditions were in old Europe, the church did not fight them, but interpreted them in its own way. After baptism, All Saints' Day was established, which was celebrated at the same time as Samhain.
Halloween is sometimes called that - All Saints' Eve. After a fun carnival, Christians commemorate relatives and friends who left the vale of the earth. It is important to understand that Halloween itself is not a church holiday, but the Church turns a blind eye to festivities dressing up as witches and ghouls.
Mexico has a similar holiday
In the 16th century, the Spaniards baptized Mexico, but elements of ancient pagan rituals were assimilated with Catholicism. In modern times, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1, when they commemorate dead adults. The next day is dedicated to the commemoration of children.
The symbol of the holiday is a painted sugar skull. Mexicans make treats in the shape of a skull, make dolls, and sew carnival costumes.
Slavic traditions
It is interesting that similar traditions existed in Russia. At the end of October, the Slavs commemorated their ancestors, believing that their souls come to stay in the world of Revelation.
About those who died, from ancient times they said "walking with their grandfathers" or "went to the grandfathers." Therefore, the memorial days were called the autumn Grandfathers.
Catching apples
With the spread of Protestantism in Britain, many of the ancient traditions of Halloween were eradicated. But one ancient game has survived to this day.
Its essence is to catch an apple in a bowl of water with your teeth. Along with this, there are fortune-telling: the apple peel must be cut off and thrown over the shoulder. By its shape, one can judge the future.
Orange and black symbolize Halloween for a reason
Autumn is rich in colors and orange is one of the dominant colors at this time of the year. It symbolizes a rich harvest.
Black, as you might guess, symbolizes death.
Treats
In the old days, people had to work hard to get a festive treat. Europeans dressed up in costumes, danced and sang songs. You could only get sweets for good work.
Today the diagram has been greatly simplified.
Party outfits
In the old days people used animal skins and skulls to make contact with spirits easier.
Fortunately, in our time, any outfit can be bought in a store or ordered from a workshop.
Not only pumpkin
For the first time, the lantern was made by a certain Stigny Jack, and he used not a pumpkin, but a large turnip. In his honor, the term Jack-o'-Lantern appeared. But nowadays, this word is mainly used for pumpkin lanterns.
Black Cats
A few years ago, animal shelter volunteers introduced an unspoken rule. Black cats, which, according to many, are associated with evil spirits, were not given to anyone before Halloween. Animal rights activists are concerned that some people may use animals for rituals and even sacrifice.
However, over time, the shelters have become more loyal. Today you can even see an advertisement calling for a black cat in the family on the eve of All Saints' Day. Of course, the fate of the animal will be unobtrusively monitored for some time.
Natasha Ryseva