Oct. 31, the eve of All Saints' Day, observed with traditional games and customs. The word comes from medieval England's All Hallows' eve (Old Eng. hallow= "saint "). However, many of these customs predate Christianity, going back instead to Celtic practices associated with Nov. 1 -the beginning of winter and the Celtic new year. Witches and other evil spirits were believed to roam the earth on this evening, playing tricks on human beings to mark the season of diminishing sunlight. Bonfires were lit, offerings were made of dainty foods and sweets, and people would disguise themselves as one of the roaming spirits, to avoid demonic persecution. Survivals of these early practices can be found in countries of Celtic influence today, such as the United States where children go from door to door in scary costumes demanding "trick or treat".
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition Copyright ©1993, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Inso Corporation. All rights reserved.
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I have adopted this ferocious dragon for the holiday........his name is Capt. Torch...if his sword don't get you, his breathe will!!!
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Thank you Tigressjungle for this wonderful gift
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I have searched the net and have found some links that I think you will enjoy and help you to celebrate this holiday. Hope you like my choices. Virtual HAUNTED HOUSES
Halloween Haunted House
Indian Knoll's Ghastly Ghouls Ghost House
HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
Halloween Costume Center
Halloween Costume Construction
HALLOWEEN RECIPES
Healthy Halloween Harvest Recipes
Jody's Haunted Halloween Recipes
HALLOWEEN VIRTUAL CARDS
Animated E-Cards Halloween Greetings
Black Widow's Halloween Greetings
Blue Mountain Arts' Halloween Cards
Postcard Place Halloween Postcards
Web Directory: 4Free Greeting Cards
MISCELLANEOUS LINKS
Halloween Magazine
Billy Bear's Halloween - (a must see)
Tigressjungle Halloween Page and Globes
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