【万圣节的来历英文版介绍】Halloween, celebrated on October 31st each year, is a festival with deep historical and cultural roots. It has evolved over time, blending ancient traditions with modern customs. Below is a summary of the origin of Halloween, followed by a table that outlines key points.
Summary:
Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to return to the world of the living. To protect themselves, they lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off evil spirits.
As Christianity spread across Europe, the church sought to replace pagan festivals with Christian ones. The festival of All Saints’ Day (November 1) was established, and the night before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, later shortened to Halloween. Over time, Halloween incorporated elements from other traditions, including the Irish and Scottish practices of "souling" and trick-or-treating.
Today, Halloween is widely celebrated in many countries, especially in the United States, where it has become a fun and commercialized event involving costumes, parties, and candy.
Key Points of Halloween's Origin
| Aspect | Details |
| Origin | Celtic festival of Samhain (around 500 BCE) |
| Date | October 31st |
| Meaning | Marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter |
| Belief | Spirits of the dead could return to the world of the living |
| Traditions | Bonfires, wearing costumes, offering food to appease spirits |
| Christian Influence | Replaced with All Saints' Day (November 1), leading to "All Hallows' Eve" |
| Evolution | Merged with Irish and Scottish customs like "souling" and trick-or-treating |
| Modern Celebration | Popular in the U.S. and other Western countries with costumes, parties, candy |
This blend of ancient beliefs and religious influences has shaped the way we celebrate Halloween today. While the holiday has taken on a more playful and commercial form, its origins remain an important part of cultural history.


