Among the ancient Celts, Halloween was the last evening of the year and was a time for examining the importance of the future. After the Romans conquered Britain, they added to Halloween features of the Roman harvest festival held on November 1 in honour of Pomona, goddess of the fruits of trees. The Celtic tradition of lighting fires on Halloween survived until modern times in Scotland, Wales and Scunthorpe, and the concept of ghosts and witches is still common. Traces of the Roman harvest festival games survive today in many countries, such as Canada, Britain and the United States, in which many generations have participated in fun activiites, like bobbing for apples and pumpkin carving.
"Trick Or Treat!"
The history of "Trick'or'Treating" can be traced back to the early celebrations of All Soul's Day in Britain. The poor would go begging throughout the day and housewives would give them special treats called "soulcakes". This was called "going a-souling", and the "soulers" would promise to say a prayer for the dead. Today, "Trick or Treating" consists of gathering candy from door to door and is generally aimed at young children age 3 to 14.
This long awaited annual event often begins after 6:00pm and ends by 10:00pm. The age in which to stop Trick or Treating has been long debated, however most choose to stop after graduating from elementary school and begin going to Halloween parties or dances instead.
Jack-o-lanterns
Glowing jack-o-lanterns, carved from turnips or gourds, were set on porches and displayed in windows to welcome deceased loved ones, but also to act as protection against evil spirits. Burning lumps of coal were used inside as a source of light, later to be replaced by candles. When European settlers arrived in America they found the native pumpkin to be larger, easier to carve and seemed the perfect choice for jack-o-lanterns. Halloween wasn't very popular until the late 1800's.
Witches
Witches have had a long history with Halloween. Legends tell of witches gathering twice a year when the seasons changed, on April 30 - the eve of May Day and the other was on the eve of October 31 - All Hallow's Eve. The witches would gather on these nights, arriving on broomsticks, to celebrate a party hosted by the devil. Superstitions told of witches casting spells on unsuspecting people, transform themselves into different forms and causing other magical mischief. It was said that to meet a witch you had to put your clothes on wrong side out and you had to walk backwards on Halloween night. Then at midnight you would see a witch.
Black Cats
Blacks cats have always been associated with witches. Many superstitions have evolved about black cats. It was believed that witches could change into cats. Some people also believed that cats were the spirits of the dead.
