How did the name 'Halloween' come about? By the 800s, Christianity had spread into Celtic lands and Pope Boniface IV named November 1 "All Saints' Day." It was a day to honor those who died for their beliefs. The celebration was also called "All-hallows" or "All-hallowmas" (from an old English word "Alholowmesse," meaning All Saints' Day). People began to call the night before it "All-hallows Eve." This name eventually became Halloween.
Why did people start trick-or-treating? Trick-or-treating most likely dates back to early All Souls' Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor people would beg for food. Families would then give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives. Children eventually took on this tradition, known as "going a-souling," and they would visit houses in their neighborhood for drinks, food and money.
Where did the idea of wearing Halloween costumes come from? Dressing up in Halloween costumes also has European origins. Hundreds of years ago, people believed that ghosts roamed the streets on Halloween night, so they wore masks when they left home to fool ghosts into thinking they were other spirits.
So ... those are a few facts I found about Halloween. Have a blessed day, however, you choose to spend it. Halloween or not this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thanks to a friend who mentioned putting tracts in treat bags. I grabbed a hand full of tracts at church Wednesday night and stuffed them into some cute candy cone shaped bags with candy. So not only are kids leaving our house with God's word they are also getting the plan of salvation. We can make a difference. Love to you all.
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