Happy Halloween

[L Verge]

Here are two good websites about the history of Halloween, especially in the U.S.:

http://www.loc.gov/folklife/halloween.html and http://www.deliriumsrealm.com/history-ha...n-america/

We used to hand out a sheet of history about Halloween each year for a long time at Surratt House. The tradition dates back to the Celts and transferred to the rest of Europe when that culture was conquered by the Romans. It then became enmeshed in the Catholic faith as part of converting pagans to Christianity. All Hallow's Eve became the time for the symbolic rising of the dead, and there was the marching through the neighborhoods and the giving out of little cakes at many homes. This was a way for the poor to get extra treats.

It was brought to America mainly in the 1800s with the large influx of Irish and Scottish immigration. It was also a bigger celebration in Southern states which did not have the heavy Puritan influence of the North. The celebrations, however, were more like parties held at churches and public buildings until well into the 20th century. I suspect that was easier in rural areas where distance precluded the marching from house to house.

It also cut down on vandalism that had crept into the observances by the early-1900s. My parents used to tell me about the boys who used to tip over outhouses, take gates off of hinges, etc.

Once suburban areas began to blossom after World War II, it was easier to bring back door-to-door trick or treating. It was also easier to control the vandalism when neighbors were closer together.

Around my area, trick or treating has slowed down, and people are going back to having parties. The adults seem to have more (drunken) fun with it now than the kids do.