Article by: Elaine Schumm
Banner by: Trip Peterson
Halloween is the time of year full of candy, horror movies, dead leaves, and cozy sweaters. The holiday, characterized by apples, corn, and of course, pumpkins, dates back to many pagan traditions. There are a multitude of practices that have added to the Halloween we know today, but the tradition most connected to the festivities is a celebration called Samhain(saa-win). It was a festival occurring after the summer harvest when people would light bonfires and celebrate the coming fall season. It was also believed that on that night, spirits would roam the living world, so the living who celebrated dressed in outfits resembling those spirits to ward them off.
Other practices, such as trick or treating and carving pumpkins, have debated origins, but they all came together through All Saints’ Day, later re-titled All Hallows Eve. Today, Halloween is known and celebrated across many homes in America, bringing the community together with candy, costumes, and the autumn season. Make sure to cozy up this cold festive season and ward off any ghosts that might still be roaming.
Have a Happy Halloween from Ram Report!