The most mystical holiday of the year - Halloween: history, religion, traditions and prohibitions.

Halloween is one of the oldest and most mysterious holidays in history. This holiday originated from the ancient Celts and has changed its flag in the USA and Ukraine.

Halloween is a transformed Celtic holiday called Samhain, which meant the end of the harvest and honoring of ancestors. Legends say that on this day, the souls of the dead return to earth, along with impurity. That's why people dress up as monsters to trick evil spirits.

History of the holiday

Halloween is celebrated annually on the night before November 1. For the first Time, this word is mentioned in the 16th century as an abbreviation of the phrase "Evening of All Saints." Halloween originates from the Celtic holiday Samhain, which was widespread in Scotland and Ireland. Samhain was associated with the supernatural and death, and purification and future forecasting rituals were performed on this day.

With the advent of Christianity, Samhain gradually transformed into the religious holiday All Saints' Day. The combination of Catholic rites and Celtic traditions contributed to the formation of modern Halloween.

Halloween and Christianity

Pope Gregory I played an important role in ensuring that Samhain did not disappear. He ordered missionaries not to eradicate pagan holidays but to transform them into Christian ones. This promoted the Christianization of Northern Europe. Samhain gradually merged with All Saints' Day.

There are several Halloween traditions. One of them is to dress up and ask for sweets from passersby. This tradition originated in the Middle Ages. Decorations with pumpkins and candles to ward off impurity are also common. Apple dishes and mulled wine are prepared for the holiday.

Traditions and prohibitions

The main attribute of the holiday is a pumpkin, from which a lantern is carved. This tradition is associated with the Irish legend of Jack, who tricked the devil. Much earlier, in the 16th century, people dressed up in costumes of witches and other impure forces during Halloween. It is also worth mentioning the prohibitions of this day, such as leaving a black cat at home or not turning around if you hear footsteps behind you. These prohibitions are related to the fear of evil forces.

• Costume refusal. In addition, we must pay attention to our feelings.
• It is impossible to stay in one place - this is considered evil in a protected zone.
• Visiting the local cemetery is strictly forbidden.