Written by J Rohland, Staff Reporter
Cats and bats and ghosts, oh my! It is October and Halloween is approaching. Halloween today has an emphasis on trick-or-treating, dressing up and partying. While this is not far from how the holiday came to be, its traditions had different meanings than they do now. With roots in a Celtic festival, influences of Christianity and eventually coming to America through Irish immigration, there have been a few factors to get to where it is now.
It is rooted in Samhain (sow-in), a Celtic festival that welcomed the harvest and end of summer. During this festival, it was believed that spirits returned to wander the earth. As Christianity spread, there was an introduction of All Hallows Eve, All Saints and All Souls Day. All Saints Day took place on November 1st to honor saints and martyrs alike, the evening before was deemed All Hallows Eve. All Souls Day was set as November 2nd and that is when all souls traveled the earth. Across these celebrations, the theme of spirits traversing the earth became common belief.
Some of your favorite traditions have interesting origins. Pumpkins are synonymous with Halloween and the Fall season, as many may have noted the pumpkins at the foot of some buildings on campus. Did you know that it was originally turnips being carved? It comes from the Irish legend of a man named Stingy Jack who was cast away to wander the earth with nothing but a burning coal in a carved turnip to light his way. Due to this, people started to carve turnips to place on their doorsteps to frighten evil spirits. Continuing the intention to deflect spirits, people donned costumes to confuse spirits into leaving them alone.
As for trick-or-treating, there are a few different ideas on how it came to be. One of the most common theories is that it is due to Celtics leaving food to appease traveling spirits and people began to dress up in exchange for the offerings. Similarly, in England on All Souls Day, families would give soul cakes, shortbread biscuits, to the poor and in return the poor would pray for the family’s loved ones who passed. In Scotland, this was called guising and rather than praying, they traded songs, jokes, and tricks. Another theory is that it stems from the German American Christmas tradition of belsnickeling in which children dress up and neighbors would try to guess who they were. If they were unsuccessful, the children were rewarded with food or other gifts such as money or toys; candy did not become common practice until much later.
Nowadays Halloween is anything but short of mischief and festivities. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for the long-awaited Hallo-weekend. Remember to use the buddy system when going to the frats. Parties are best with friends, make sure to have a friend with you and ensure that you communicate if you travel to multiple parties. A sentiment that is common knowledge is to watch your drink and eat plenty, not just candy. Lastly, to quote Karen Smith in Mean Girls the Musical, “I can be who I want to be and sexy” but keep in mind that costumes do not equal consent. Always ensure clear and enthusiastic consent, and if you see something then say something. Enjoy a safe, happy Halloween!
