Marking the start of Quarter 2 for undergraduates and the end of the spooky season for October-fanatics, the evening rituals of Halloween are a common tradition for many households. With its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, this celebration served to welcome the end of harvest and ward off unwanted spirits. Later, in the eighth century, November first was named All Saints Day, which borrowed some similar elements from Samhain. The night before this day was named All Hallows Eve—Halloween. Overtime, this holiday developed into what it is today, now best known for its costumes, traditions, and superstitions. Thanks to the Irish and Scottish immigrants of the 1850s, America can also take part in the festivities.
The holiday offers a plethora of activities and traditions for all students to revel in, including those who love history.
Vampires
Originating in Bulgaria among the Slavic people, the word “vampire” translates to “ghost monster,” directly reflecting the original description of these creatures. Wreaking havoc on villages but not feeding off of blood or creating other vampires from their bites, these vampires had no body. As time progressed and the legend spread west through war, these original depictions began to change and the pale-skinned blood-sucking beings that today are called vampires were born.
Witches
Witches are commonly associated with Halloween and have appeared in various forms throughout history. From ancient times to the more modern witch trials of Europe and America, people’s fear of witches has made them an iconic symbol of the spooky season. The modern idea of witches as pointy-hat-wearing, broom-riding, black-cat-owning beings spans a variety of cultural influences and social customs. Influenced by time and place the “costume” of a witch has evolved into what we now recognize. Historically, witches were marginalized women who were misunderstood and outcasts, making them an easy target for society.
Jack-o-lanterns
The tradition of carving Jack-o-lanterns can be traced back to Irish origins and the legend of ‘Stingy Jack.’ The tale details how Jack outwitted the Devil twice through trickery, eventually managing to strike a deal that his soul would not be condemned to hell. When Jack finally passed, he was denied entrance to both heaven and hell. Before cursed to roam the earth for eternity, Jack was given an ember of hellfire within a carved turnip by the Devil; the first Jack-o-lantern. Today, pumpkin-carving has developed into a common Halloween ritual, unifying individuals across households.
Carving pumpkins and gourds requires skill and patience, especially when it comes to those who view it as an art medium. Although traditionally made into big-toothed-grinned and wide-eyed faces, pieces of finer art can also be created with precision and practice. In my family, we alternate yearly from traditional Jack-o-lantern faces to artistic carvings. (Photo/Angela Chung)
