Halloween can be traced back 2000 years ago to the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain pronounced sow-in. The Celts lived in what is now known as Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France. They celebrated their new year on November 1. This date was chosen because it marked the end of summer along with the end of harvest time. November also marked the beginning of winter. Cold, dark winter months were associated with death.
Celts believed that the night before the new year, October 31st, created a time in which the spirit world was open to our world. This day was celebrated with Samhain. They believed that the ghosts would return to earth for possibilities of creating havoc and mischief. Celts believed that during this merging of worlds, Druid priests could predict the future.
Celebration rituals: Celts extinguished their fires in the hearths of their homes and built huge, ceremonious bonfires. These were used to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to their gods. They dressed in costumes that consisted of animal skins and heads. Part of the fun was trying to predict other people's futures. After the celebration was over, the Celts re-lit the fires in their hearths from the bonfire in order to protect themselves from the coming winter.
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