Halloween originated as a celebration connected with evil spirits. Witches flying on broomsticks with black cats, ghosts, goblins and skeletons
have all evolved as symbols of Halloween.
On the first of November the Druids held their great autumnal festival and lighted fires in honor of the Sun-god in thanksgiving for
the harvest. Further, it was a Druid belief that on the eve of this festival, Saman, Lord of Death, called together the wicked
souls that within the past twelve months had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals.
On All Souls' Day, in olden times, poor people used to go "a-souling" (begging). They received pastries called "soulcakes" in exchange for
promising to say prayers for the dead. This mixed Christianity with pagan practices. After it became a "Christian" festival, the evil
supernatural symbolic associations continued.
Read more about the origin of Halloween, and visit other recommended web sites about Halloween.
Web Sites - Links to some
other recommended Halloween web sites, for your information.
Download - a printable ghost story of King Saul and the witch at Endor,
with a graphic to print on an envelope, perfect for handing out to kids on Halloween night. Don't forget to add a treat to the package.
Halloween originated as a celebration connected with evil spirits. Witches flying on broomsticks with black cats, ghosts, goblins and skeletons
have all evolved as symbols of Halloween.