Halloween origins and customs

History traces Halloween back to the ancient religion of the Celtics in Ireland.  They were very conscious of the spirit world and helping their over 300 gods to defeat enemies in battle.  One of the main feasts was called Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween), celebrated Nov 1.  They believed this to be a time when hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished.

By A.D.  43, the Romans had conquered the majority of the Celtic territory, and Roman festivals were combined with the Celtic celebration of Samhain forming a blending of Paganism with Christianity.  One such union was  the day for the Romans to honor Pomona, who was symbolized as an apple, since she was the goddess of fruit and trees. This blending with Samhain explains the idea of bobbing for apples on Halloween.    

In the 7th Century a Pope introduced All Saits' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs, to replace the pagan festival of the dead.  Oct. 31, thus became All Hallows's Eve. 

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