08 Oct 09 How it All Began - Scary Halloween Invitations
How it All Began - Scary Halloween Invitations
Nothing seems to kick off autumn like Halloween celebrations. All over the world and for hundreds of years, October 31st and some of the nearby days have been a little bit spooky. In the United States, of course, Halloween is celebrated. More than 60% of people here decorate their homes and yards for the holiday. And more candy is sold around this time of year than at any other time, except Christmas. Some of those tasty treats are going to trick or treaters and party guests but there is more to the holiday than sweets and scary Halloween invitations, http://www.invitations-shoppe.com.
Where the Holiday Originates
Many people wonder why during October people decide to send out scary Halloween invitations. Well the answer is that Celtic people had a holiday on October 31st called Samhain. This holiday was mainly celebrated with a giant festival that honored the Lord of the Dead. The 31st was so important to the Celtic people because they believed the dead would be able to enter the living world. Without ghost invitations or anything, spirits walked the world for this one night every year.
Costume invitations for Halloween parties can be traced back to the Celts, too. Because not all of those free roaming spirits were nice folks, the festival involved wearing costumes so the evil spirits couldn't find them.
Trick or Treating
The next part of Halloween that may seem odd is why children can go to neighbors' houses and ask them for candy. It is called trick or treating in the United States and has only been a common part of Halloween since the 1930s. Many people believe letting children ask for candy would prevent them from destroying properties and playing tricks but there is no actual evidence for this reason. Also it would seem that giving them Halloween party invitations would also prevent vandalism.
One idea for where trick or treating could have originated is from a practice called souling, which was common in the United Kingdom. This practice happened on November 1st and was the time for the poor and needy to visit homes to try and get handouts. In exchange the needy prayed for the deceased loved ones of anyone willing to give food. Halloween celebrations done today may have come from this old practice.
All Over the World
The United States is certainly not the only place sending out scary Halloween party invitations. Other countries also celebrate the 31st with many Halloween celebrations. One place that is known for spooky horror is Romania, home to Dracula's castle, witch trials, and Transylvania. South America and Denmark are also places to go where trick or treating is common, too. Visitors to Mexico can enjoy the Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead festivals, which have a similar purpose as the old Celtic Samhain festival.
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About the Author:
About the Author: Sarah Porter has written about Scary Halloween Invitations Cards, Printable Halloween Invitations, Free Halloween Party Invitations, Kids Invitations Halloween Party, Photo Halloween Invitation and more for http://www.cardsshoppe.com http://www.holiday-invitations.com and http://www.invitations-shoppe.com
