The influence of Hollywood means that many people believe that Halloween is something that originated in America. The truth could not be more different as the festival is actually one of the most ancient in the British calendar. Halloween, as we know it today, is a collaboration of the eve before the Western Christian feast of All Hallows and more traditional, Pagan celebrations.
Scholars believe that Halloween originates from the Irish Celts, Scots and Anglo-Saxons in Britain and before the times of Christianity. It was originally called the Festival of Samhain. Celebrating the end of the Autumn season, it was a time of harvest and preparation for the hard, cold winter ahead. Celtic belief was that Samhain was also a time when the division between the world of the living and the word of the dead became very thin. For one night, ghosts and spirits were able to walk the earth as they pleased, often returning to places where they once lived to solve 'unfinished business'.
When Rome took over Britain, along came Christianity. The Christians adopted the Pagan belief of Samhain and renamed in Hallowmas and All Saints' Day. Christians used this day to celebrate those who died for their beliefs, honouring saints and praying for the recently departed. There isn't really much difference between the two celebrations, but what this does show is that Halloween used to be of great religious importance.
Taking religion to one side, certain celebratory traditions have manifested themselves within the heart of Halloween and remain popular to this day. Trick-or-treating is a famous custom for children, where they dress in costume and go from house-to-house asking the question 'trick or treat?'. Another famous tradition is the carving of pumpkins, of which the Americans actually adopted British pastimes of carving turnips. The reason for carving was not only because of the harvests, but also because people traditionally believed that the carving of scary faces would actually warn off evil spirits. Other festivites include parties, games, such as bobbing-apples, and fancy dress.
People nowadays really go out of their way to bring the spirit of Halloween to life. Haunted attractions and entertainment venues up and down the country really take to the event and it has almost become another public holiday for us (without the title of course). Perhaps the Christian values have since gone, but; nether-the-less, it is an occasion that brings together friends and family in the build-up to Christmas.
Private members' club Home House, of Portman Square in London, are opening their doors again this Halloween with a special "Torture and Tease Ball". The event is scheduled to take place at 8pm on Friday 26th October. Expect there to be a twisted sense of fun and frolics, where you can see burlesque beauties entertain, handsome rapscallions seduce and spy through peepholes and a naughty party band. You can even enjoy some cabaret with the cast of Chicago! Home House Halloween parties really have become notorious and this year is set to be the scariest and most outrageous celebration yet. Fancy dress is a must, with a maximum of five guest tickets per member and open doors until 4am.
Scholars believe that Halloween originates from the Irish Celts, Scots and Anglo-Saxons in Britain and before the times of Christianity. It was originally called the Festival of Samhain. Celebrating the end of the Autumn season, it was a time of harvest and preparation for the hard, cold winter ahead. Celtic belief was that Samhain was also a time when the division between the world of the living and the word of the dead became very thin. For one night, ghosts and spirits were able to walk the earth as they pleased, often returning to places where they once lived to solve 'unfinished business'.
When Rome took over Britain, along came Christianity. The Christians adopted the Pagan belief of Samhain and renamed in Hallowmas and All Saints' Day. Christians used this day to celebrate those who died for their beliefs, honouring saints and praying for the recently departed. There isn't really much difference between the two celebrations, but what this does show is that Halloween used to be of great religious importance.
Taking religion to one side, certain celebratory traditions have manifested themselves within the heart of Halloween and remain popular to this day. Trick-or-treating is a famous custom for children, where they dress in costume and go from house-to-house asking the question 'trick or treat?'. Another famous tradition is the carving of pumpkins, of which the Americans actually adopted British pastimes of carving turnips. The reason for carving was not only because of the harvests, but also because people traditionally believed that the carving of scary faces would actually warn off evil spirits. Other festivites include parties, games, such as bobbing-apples, and fancy dress.
People nowadays really go out of their way to bring the spirit of Halloween to life. Haunted attractions and entertainment venues up and down the country really take to the event and it has almost become another public holiday for us (without the title of course). Perhaps the Christian values have since gone, but; nether-the-less, it is an occasion that brings together friends and family in the build-up to Christmas.
Private members' club Home House, of Portman Square in London, are opening their doors again this Halloween with a special "Torture and Tease Ball". The event is scheduled to take place at 8pm on Friday 26th October. Expect there to be a twisted sense of fun and frolics, where you can see burlesque beauties entertain, handsome rapscallions seduce and spy through peepholes and a naughty party band. You can even enjoy some cabaret with the cast of Chicago! Home House Halloween parties really have become notorious and this year is set to be the scariest and most outrageous celebration yet. Fancy dress is a must, with a maximum of five guest tickets per member and open doors until 4am.
About the Author:
Home House is a social hangout for people from all walks of life, which is part of its uniqueness. Quite unlike many other Exclusive Clubs London, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House is one of the tophalloween event.
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