Skip to content

The changing face of Halloween in the past years

There is no American holiday that has changed as much as Halloween. Whether it is the people who participate in the activities, the costumes, the food itinerary, the intention of...

There is no American holiday that has changed as much as Halloween. Whether it is the people who participate in the activities, the costumes, the food itinerary, the intention of the holiday to everything else. Everything has been altered ever since the people started to celebrate “Samhain” or what is also called as the “All Hallows Eve”.

Crisp air, fall leaves, and pumpkins everywhere? Halloween is right around the corner and you have all the reasons to be excited about it. You might see kids getting way happier with the holiday getting closer, it was not always like this. Things were way too different in comparison to how they are now, this blog will take you on a walk through history, namely 4 stages - the beginning, the 1800s, the 1900s and finally today.

Just before you get into the festive mood, let us catch a glimpse of the face of Halloween has changed in the past years.

#The Beginning


Started with Samhain/All Hallows Eve: If you look back in the history, it all started about 2000 years ago, when the Celtic festival was celebrated on the 1st of November. The festival emerged with a belief that the dead returned as souls and in order to keep them from harming or coming close to the mortals, food items were kept outside the front doors.

Men and women wore animal skins and animal heads or scary costumes to fool the ghosts and trick them away. This was done out of a feeling of being scared of the dead.

As a custom, back then, people would also gather around the fire praying for the dead relative’s souls and also about the fortune of the loved ones (the living).

#1800s


European immigrants came to America and brought with them their own rituals and customs. It was then when the excitement of the festival went to the next level.

The Scottish people went ahead telling ghost stories, introducing fireworks, playing spooky games and making mischief. Most pranks and mischief were the work of naughty children rather than spirits as once believed. This is how the change started to be witnessed among people.

Games like bobbing the apples, dooking, Puicini (an Irish fortune-telling game) and so many others became a part of the festival.

#1900s


By now, the celebrations of the festival (now called as the holiday) spread all over America and a wide population participated in the activities happening around.

It was in the 19th century when a tradition introduced by the British immigrants called “Trick-or-Treating” started to be practiced. The practice was all about people going to others houses and asking for Trick or Treat. It was in the beginning when people did sometimes opt for the trick but eventually, it became more of a custom where treats were handed to the ones asking for them.

Colors in the costumes were finally introduced because the whole idea of the day was shifting from the religious context to the celebration part. The costumes are one of the many essential aspects of the festival. You would have seen people roleplaying witches, Dracula, ghosts, and so much more. But till this period costumes were worn for the spooky purposes.

#Today


Now, you’d find the entire country celebrating Halloween with all the enthusiasm and zest participating in the various activities, parties and other gatherings held.

The costumes have changed from being only scary to funny, naughty and sassy as well. You would find men in men's costumes like Sailors, Santa, wicked doctor and more whereas; women can be nurses, witches, vampires and more. The twist is that the articles have gone too revealing these days.

You would find Holiday Sales going on everywhere (including Skiviez) from where you can pick your favourites at affordable prices

So, you finally know the Halloween THEN and NOW. Do leave your comments below about the blog as well as suggestions (if any).
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published..

Cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping

Select options