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About 2000 years ago, the Celts lived in the areas known
now as Ireland, The United Kingdom, and northern France.
November 1 was their New Year and marked the end of summer and
harvest, and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, which was
also often associated with death in those days.
The night before, October 31st,
the Celts believed that the ghosts of the dead had a time to
return to earth, as the boundary between the worlds of the
living and the dead became blurred. For the Celts, this was
the Festival of Samhain. The Celts believed that the
ghosts could cause trouble and damage crops, but also that the
presence of these spirits, made it easier for the Druids
(Celtic Priests) to make predictions about the future.
For folks that were entirely dependent on the natural world,
these prophecies were an important source of comfort and
direction during the long, dark winter. On this night,
Druids would build huge sacred bonfires, where the people
gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic
deities. For the celebration, the Celts wore costumes,
typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and would try
to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over,
they re-lit their home fires, (which they had put out earlier
that night), from the sacred bonfire to help protect them
during the coming winter.
In the 7th century, the Catholic
church designated November 1st ad All Saints Day. Also
called All-hallows, this was to honor saints and martyrs.
Thus, the night before, October 31, was called All Hallows
Eve, eventually, Halloween. This was celebrated much
like Samhain, with bonfires, parades, and wearing of costumes,
such as saints, angels and devils.
  
Original Image Animation © Kitty Roach,
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