With Halloween around the corner, many believe that the origin of this celebration began in the United States with a pumpkin, but in reality, it all started in Ireland with a turnip. If you trace back the origins of Halloween, you will find yourself in the Ancestral East of Ireland, where this festival was celebrated over 2,000 years ago under the name of "Samhain", which in Gaelic means "end of summer".
The etymological origin of Halloween comes from the English expression "The Hallowed Ones", which translates to "The Sanctified Ones" and refers to the eve of All Saints' Day. According to Irish folklore, "Samhain", a celebration around a bonfire and feast, marked the end of the Celtic year and the beginning of the new one. Thus, pagan ancestors believed that on the night of October 31st, the spirits of the dead returned to visit the world of the living. Additionally, during those days, druids (Celtic priests) made offerings to their gods for a good harvest and lit communal bonfires representing the sun.
Later in the Middle Ages, other customs like carving turnips or potatoes were incorporated, and it was the numerous Irish immigrants who spread these traditions in the United States, where this celebration was adapted and embraced with great success, enduring through time.
The Origin of Costumes
The Celts awaited the arrival of their ancestors from the other world and dressed as animals and monsters to prevent the spirits from trying to capture them, thus scaring them away. The tradition of lighting bonfires began on the hills of Ireland, where clans and communities gathered around huge ceremonial fires, making it one of the largest festivals on the summit of Tlachtga, or the Hill of Ward in present-day County Meath.
Today, the area around the Hill of Ward and the Hill of Tara remains one of the epicenters of Irish Halloween traditions with its renowned Púca Festival. This year it will take place from October 23 to 31 in the towns of Athboy, Trim, and Drogheda, as well as in the mythical Slane Castle, where visitors can enjoy trails through forests and gardens with eerie illuminations and installations, dances, and performances.
Another festival worth visiting during this time is Derry Halloween, which will recreate five magical worlds from October 29 to 31 under the theme "Awakening the Walled City", each representing a different spirit of Samhain through installations, exhibitions, music, characterizations, and entertainment.
From Turnip to Pumpkin
Carving Halloween pumpkins is another of the most popular traditions. This tradition also began in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes were originally used, but later it was Irish emigrants who brought this tradition to North America, where pumpkins are plentiful, turning it into one of the most recognizable symbols of Halloween.
Even the origin of the name by which Halloween pumpkins are known (Jack O'lantern) comes from Irish folklore. The legend says that a man named Jack tricked the Devil, and as punishment, Jack was condemned to wander the earth for all eternity with a turnip containing embers inside to light his way.
But Jack is not the only significant character of this holiday, as we also find the immortal Dracula by the famous Irish writer Bram Stoker. Thus, in his hometown, Dublin, visitors can follow his footsteps through tours and attractions year-round. Moreover, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the publication of Dracula, the city will once again host its famous Bram Stoker Festival in 2022, a grand celebration of literary, musical, and artistic activities for the whole family.
"Trick or Treat"
Another of the most recognized traditions worldwide is the game of "trick or treat", also of Irish origin. In this case, it was the poor children who would go door to door asking for alms and food. They would sing or pray for the souls of the dead in exchange for food, which often was a bread filled with raisins. This tradition was known as "souling".