The origins of Halloween date back to the Celts who celebrated the festival of Samhain, that marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The people of Ireland believed this day was the time when the lines between life and death blurred and ghosts returned to Earth.
“I have briefly learned about the history of Halloween,” sophomore Philipa Fitchner said. “It’s so interesting how holidays evolve over time,”
To commemorate these events, the Celts built large bonfires where people sacrificed animals and burned crops. They believed that the priests could talk to spirits and predict the future for the coming winter months, according to the History Channel.
“A major facet of the religion of the Celts was the use of magic,” history teacher Lauren O’Donnell said. “Which could include burning things and having sacrificial offerings which is still a big part of Halloween today,”
By the 9th century, the Christian influence had spread into northern Europe and evolved the established traditions of the Samhain festival. Pope Boniface IV established a holiday to honor all saints and martyrs on November 1st, thus creating All Saints Day. This celebration was also called All-Hallows and the day before it, Oct. 31, as All-Hallows Eve, or Halloween.
“It’s so interesting to see how different religions are combined to form our current customs and traditions,” Fitchner said. “I never knew about this am shocked to find out such a fun carefree holiday has so much history,”
Convent and Stuart Hall is honoring this holiday by letting students wear costumes to school and a special costume contest. The teachers of the school also have a special theme for their costumes, according to O’Donnell.
“The teacher theme this year was Barbie and Ken,” O’Donnell said. “I think part of the fun of Halloween is getting to inhabit a different persona,”
Students at Convent and Stuart Hall High School are also honoring All Saints Day with a mass on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Many students are excited to commemorate Halloween and come to school dressed up, according to Fitchner.
“I can definitely see the excitement behind all the students to dress up for Halloween and come up with creative Halloween costumes,” Fitchner said. “Additionally, I hope everyone has a great Halloween and enjoys the spooky atmosphere, even in school.”
