Why do we celebrate Halloween?

Many people look forward to Halloween, but not everyone knows the true origins of this holiday. Learn about the mysteries, superstition, ancient beliefs and traditions of Halloween.

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Why do we celebrate Halloween?

Halloween comes from very old traditions from the Norse and Celtic cultures. The first known celebration is from more than 2000 years ago when the Celts celebrated Samhain. The Celts lived in Ireland, Great Britain and northern France. Back then, Halloween was a celebration of the year’s harvest, that summer was over and that the cold winter was on its way. They lit a bonfire and sometimes animals were killed. Everyone could take home a flame for their own fireplace. The celebration lasted for three days and three nights. You had to be there. iIf you were not there,  you could be punished by the gods through illness and death.

Avoid being kidnapped!

In Norse and Celtic traditions, people thought that the border between the physical world and the spiritual world disappeared on this night, and the dead came back. The Celts dressed up in animal costumes and dressed up like monsters so evil spirits wouldn’t kidnap them.

Dullahan – the Scary Rider

The Dullahan was a scary, mythological figure. He didn’t have a head and rode on a black horse with burning eyes. The rider had his head under his arm, and its eyes moved around. Sometimes the Dullahan could be a woman. If the Dullahan showed up, it was a sign of death.

The goddess of fruit and trees

When the Romans took over most of the Celtic land, they started the celebration of Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees. This became a part of the celebration of Samhain. Pomona’s symbol is the apple. Apples are often part of the Halloween celebration today.

How old traditions became Halloween today

In the 11th century, Celtic traditions were mixed with Christian traditions. The church decided that November 1st should be All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day was celebrated as Samhain with bonfires, parades and costumes. The night before was called All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. All Saints’ Day is now on the first Sunday in November.

Witchcraft on Halloween was dangerous

Many people thought that contact with spirits and the dead on October 31st made magic extra strong. The risk of being found guilty of magic and burned alive for doing dangerous magic on Halloween was high. Rune Blix Hagen, a historian, says that Sami shaman Quiwe Baarsen was trying to help local fishermen in Finnmark to get wind in their sails. This was at the end of October 1627, and the magical date made him lose control of his powers. There was a big storm and five people died at sea. Baarsen was burned at the bonfire as a witch. 

Halloween in under 5 minutes

How Halloween came to America

The Halloween tradition came to America in 1625 with the Pilgrims. It was more common to celebrate in the south than in the north. Later, an American version of Halloween developed, with song, dance, and ghost stories. People from Ireland came to America because of hunger and helped make the Halloween celebration popular.

Changing traditions

When the tradition spread, people began to dress up. People started going from house to house, asking for food or money. In earlier times, it was also common to hand out something to eat during Halloween or Samhain. Nuts or fruit were usually given, both to humans and spirits. In more modern times, giving candy has become more common.

Utkledd jente på Halloween
Utkledd jente på Halloween

Main focus: A day of celebration for children

The focus shifted from ghosts to neighborhood gatherings and celebrations. Parties with costumes, games, and food became common. Today, Halloween is America’s second largest holiday, after Christmas. Shops have also made Halloween popular by selling things. Halloween came to Norway around the year 2000 and is mostly a day of celebration for children.

Did you know that…

  • …the great interest in Harry Potter and flying broomsticks may have added to the interest in Halloween in Norway?
  • …some say witches can turn into black cats, so watch out for them on Halloween. 
  • …pumpkins are often used as decorations on Halloween? They are easy to cut and are great for making lanterns to light up in the dark.

Halloween costs money

In 2019, Norwegians spent 1.2 billion Norwegian kroner on Halloween celebrations. That is just over 1,300 kroner per person who took part in the celebration. The money went to costumes, candy, parties and decorations. In the US, they spent a total of 8,8 billion USD on Halloween festivities in 2019.

Expensive Halloween

Sources:

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