Halloween 2016
The US will celebrate it’s second most commercially successful holiday on October 31. Halloween candy sales exceed 2 billion dollars annually, with chocolate bars topping the list.
Jack ‘O Lanterns originated in Ireland. Turnips were hollowed out to keep away the spirits and ghosts of Samhain (pronounced sow-en).
Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe. They celebrated the harvest with bonfires, the sharing of ghost stories, singing, dancing, and fortune-telling.
The ancient Celts believed that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night, so they wore masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as humans.
Samhain is the celebration of a Pagan Shabbat honoring the ancestors who have passed before us, and marking the dark time. Sunset on Samhain marks the beginning of the Celtic calendar. The fear of Halloween is known as Samhainophobia.
Just a few interesting facts about America’s infatuation with Halloween. Enjoy the festivities!
