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Navigating and enjoying the thrill of horror and scare experiences
Historical knowledge of Halloween and its origins
Understanding and appreciating Halloween traditions worldwide
How jack-o’-lanterns become associated with Halloween
- Halloween is based on the Celtic festival Samhain. It was believed that during Samhain the souls of those who had died that year traveled to the otherworld and that other souls would return to visit their homes.
- In the 8th century CE, the Roman Catholic Church moved All Saints’ Day, a day celebrating the church’s saints, to November 1. This meant that All Hallows’ Eve (or Halloween) fell on October 31.
- Traditions from Samhain remained, such as wearing disguises to hide from the souls wandering around your home.
- The folklore about Stingy Jack was quickly incorporated into Halloween, and we’ve b
een carving pumpkins—or turnips—ever since.
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The history of jack-o’-lanterns
- A jack-o’-lantern is, as the name might suggest, a lantern—one made out of a root vegetable.
- Their origin comes from an Irish myth about Stingy Jack, who tricked the Devil for his own monetary gain.
- When Jack died, God didn’t allow him into heaven, and the ...
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Jack-o’-lanterns in other cultures
- Lighting candles is a near-universal way to beckon the dead in cultures that still call them to return for one night. For instance, you can see this custom in the Mexican Día de Muertos.
- But only the Celtic culture uses imitation skulls called jack-o’-lanterns to we...
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How jack-o’-lanterns have changed throughout history
The pumpkin aspect of the tradition is uniquely American. When Europeans came to America, they discovered pumpkins, a Native American crop that, besides being tasty, they recognized would make fabulous jack-o’-lanterns.
The spooky history behind this family traditio...
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All Saints' Day
- On May 13, 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honor of all Christian martyrs and the Catholic feast of All Martyrs Day was established. Pope Gregory III later expanded the festival and moved the observance from May 13 to November 1.
- The influence of Christ...
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