Halloween Customs: Ancient Origins, Traditions & Related Creatures

Haunted Histories Collection (DVD)

(Hauntings / Vampire Secrets / Salem Witch Trails / The Haunted History of Halloween / Poltergeist) (History Channel)

Halloween is an annual holiday which is celebrated in many parts of the world today. As such, Halloween customs vary from country to country and seemed to have ended up rolled into a mish-mash of our own modern day traditions.

In essence, Halloween is a blending of Celtic pagan traditions that were celebrated at the end of the harvest season (All Hallow's Eve) along with Christian traditions to mark the beginning of the new year on November 1st. You can read a more in-depth background about the history of Halloween here.

As time went on, more customs, traditions and superstitions surrounding Halloween became enmeshed into our own beliefs and traditions. For example, witches have long been associated with this autumn festival. Witch costumes, decorations, and related paraphernalia flood the stores during the late summer and early fall months. But why witches? Well, as it so happens, Halloween is one of the most high holidays related to pagan celebrations, therefore halloween and witches go hand-in-hand.

The carving of pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns is a fun family activity, but the tradition of doing this was actually brought to North America by the Irish immigrants of the 1840's... along with Halloween pranks. Interestingly enough, carving pumpkins is quite a new practice. The Irish carved potatoes and turnips, and only started using pumpkins when they came to America.

There are many more Halloween customs and related superstitions that linked to this fun holiday. Below is a listing of articles explaining more about these interesting subjects.

Explore Interesting Halloween Customs and Myths

Glossary of Supernatural Creatures
This glossary explains the origins and folklore behind supernatural creatures such as ghosts, goblins, zombies and other frightening characters.

Halloween Facts, Myths, and Customs. Did You Know...?
Here are some interesting Halloween facts that you may not of heard of before... customs that are practiced around the world around October 31st. Learn more about this fun-loving holiday.

Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns: Where Did They Come From?
Halloween jack-o-lanterns have been associated with this October holiday since the mid-eighteen hundreds. The tradition of carving a pumpkin and placing a candle in it began nearly 2000 years ago in Ireland.

Halloween Rites
The following festive Halloween rites find their origins in the British Isles and Europe for that authentic Halloween experience.

Halloween Superstitions From Around The World
Here are some Halloween superstitions I've gathered over time. If you're looking for a party activity, why not make up a trivia quiz using superstitions? Very fun to see who knows what. Enjoy!

Owl Superstitions and Folklore
Owl superstitions have a long and ancient history. Here are some other interesting and somewhat strange superstitions that are linked to owls.

The Halloween Witch and Witchcraft History
Halloween is one of the four highest holidays of the pagan celebrations and is when the Halloween witch honors ancestors, celebrates the harvest, rings in the New Year, and contemplates the supernatural.

The History of Halloween: Learn More About This Fascinating Holiday
The history of Halloween dates back to when the druids celebrated Samhain (The Festival of the Dead). It was a changing of seasons observed in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

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Halloween Customs: Ancient Origins, Traditions & Related Creatures

Explore Interesting Halloween Customs and Myths