Halloween is a fun filled time of year. Not only for youngsters but also for men and women as well. After all, who doesn't enjoy getting dressed up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and setting off trick-or-treating or to a Halloween celebration. Halloween is an event recognized everywhere and in virtually every nation as there are seasonal and religious connections which are popular. It has existed for nearly 500 years.
There is some speculation on the origin of Halloween(not the name) but the occasion. Some historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is even so, more frequently associated with the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occurrence that honors the conclusion of summer time.
Of course the name "Halloween" is more widely linked to the Scottish variation of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night before All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and throughout the centuries All-Hallows-Eve grew to become Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is observed worldwide, however not every cultures observe on this date. Some nations around the world celebrate on the second Tuesday in December.
Halloween has lots of symbolism and imagery which has developed over time and lots of civilizations and movements have contributed to it. Most notably are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and each year the latest craze of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings.
In addition there are a number of activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is among the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house within their neighborhoods gathering candy and sweets. There are Halloween celebrations, prank playing, games such as bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.
Favorite foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Several other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack that is a fruit bread.
Halloween represents the season of the harvest and the end of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people assert it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the beginning of the American Football season, and several other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.
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