Jack ‘O Lanterns
The traditions of carving jack 'o lanterns
originates with the Celts. A miserable man named Jack, tricked the devil.
Unable to enter heaven or hell after his death, he was destined to roam the
earth listlessly. Jack placed a piece of coal into a carved-out turnip and used
it as a lantern to keep the evil spirits away. Today, pumpkins (which are
easier to cut) are carved into jack-o-lanterns, lit and placed outside of
doorways for the same purpose.
Trick or Treating
The custom of trick or treating evolved in
Ireland, centuries ago. In preparation for All Hollow's Eve, the poor would
call upon the rich folks and request money, gifts and food. The food was
gathered for a huge feast and celebration.
Bonfires
In Northern Ireland, it was a custom of Druids to
perform ritualistic ceremonies and make sacrifices to pacify their gods. The
Celts would bring wood and start their Samhain bonfire or, fire festival, on
the hilltop. They would often throw the bones of slaughtered cattle into the
flames. The word "bonfire" is said to be derived from such "bone
fires". Bonfires and sacrifices guaranteed that the sun would burn
brightly after a long winter. It's common to see hundreds of
traditional bonfires in Ireland every year on Halloween Night.
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