All Hallows' Eve

      Like Christmas and Easter, the festival of Hallowe'en originated in a pagan celebration, even though its name derives from the Christian festival of All Hallows' or All Saints' day.

      It was introduced in the 7th century to commemorate all those saints and martyrs who had no special day to themselves, and was held on May 13. But in the 8th century All Hallows' day was moved to November 1, to counteract the pagan celebrations held on that date.

      October 31, the eve of November 1, was the last night of the year in the ancient Celtic calendar, and was celebrated as the end of summer and its fruitfulness. It was a festival which the Celts of Northern Europe marked with bonfires to help the sun through the winter.

      Winter also called to mind the chill and blackness of the grave and so it was a time when the ghosts would walk, and supernatural spirits, warlocks and witches would hold their revels.

      Only since the late 18th and early 19th centuries has Hallowe'en developed as a jolly time for children, with costumes, lanterns and games. Before then it was regarded as a night of fear, and wise men, respectful of hobgoblins and wandering demons, stayed indoors.

      In the 17th and 18th centuries, however, it was customary for 'guisers'--people in weird masks and costumes--to go from house to house, singing and dancing to keep evil at bay, or as representations of the ghosts and goblins of the night.

Trick or Treat

      This custom has survived today in many parts of the world, as a children's masquerade. In North America, children go from door to door in costume on a ritual known as Trick or Treat.

      They usually carry a sack or pillowcase and threaten to play a trick on householders if they are not given a 'treat' in the form or sweets or biscuits.

      The Hallowe'en lantern, made from a hollowed-out pumpkin or turnip with a candle inside it, is a relic from the days when food offerings were made to the spirits of the dead.