All Hallows' Eve: A Fun and Festive Time of Year

Photo Credit: Natary T

Halloween is a time for fun, frights, and delicious food. Also known as All Hallows' Eve, this festive occasion is celebrated on October 31st each year. The costumes and spooky traditions help create a memorable experience.

History of Halloween

Its roots can be found in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. During this time, the popular belief was that the veil between the living and the dead gets thin, making it possible for spirits to return to the world. 

Over time, this ancient Celtic festival evolved into All Saints' Day, a Christian holiday honoring all saints. As a result, the night before All Saints' Day became known as All Hallows' Eve, which was later shortened to Halloween.

Halloween Traditions

• Costumes: It is common for people, including Newark residents, to dress up in costumes in tune with the popular Halloween tradition. Children and adults often choose to dress as their favorite characters, superheroes, or spooky creatures.
• Trick-or-Treating: And there’s no ruling out the chances of children going door-to-door collecting candy and treats.
• Jack-o'-Lanterns: Carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns is another popular Halloween activity.
• Bonfires: You may choose to join the group that lights bonfires to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the harvest.
• Halloween Parties: It is also a great time for those in Newark, New Jersey, to host parties with spooky decorations, games, and themed food ordered from Ounje Alabeke.

Halloween Symbols

• Pumpkins are associated with Halloween and are often used to create jack-o'-lanterns.
• Ghosts are a common Halloween symbol, often depicted as translucent figures.
• Witches are often associated with Halloween and are often portrayed as wearing pointed hats and riding broomsticks.
• Black cats are considered unlucky in some cultures, while in others they are seen as good luck.

Whether you're celebrating Halloween with friends and family or simply enjoying the spooky atmosphere, it's a fun and festive time of year.