Halloween

1 - Halloween originally comes from Ireland. There, it was celebrated in Catholic towns and communities on the eve of All Saints’ Day. Since All Saints’ Day has been observed on November 1 for hundreds of years, Halloween has always fallen on October 31.2 - In Ireland, Halloween also served as a way to distance itself from Great Britain, where Reformation Day was observed on October 31 to commemorate the split of the Anglican Church from the Catholic Church. Protestant congregations in Germany celebrate Reformation Day in remembrance of Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-five Theses in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.3 - From Ireland, emigrants spread Halloween, especially in North America. They also brought the tradition of hollowing out pumpkins and lighting them from within.4 - This tradition is based on a legend. It tells how Jack Oldfield, a terrible villain, captured the devil one day and would only release him if the devil spared him after his death. The devil promised. When Jack died, he did not go to heaven, but no one wanted him in hell either. Finally, the devil gave him a turnip and some glowing coals so Jack could wander through the darkness.5 - The hollowed-out, illuminated pumpkins are therefore called "Jack-O-Lanterns." Faces are carved into them to scare away evil spirits.6 - In North America, children and adults roam around on the evening of October 31. They dress up as witches, ghosts, skeletons, vampires, and the like. The children ring their neighbors’ doorbells and say, "Trick or treat!" This means: "Give us a treat, or we’ll play a trick on you!"7 - In recent years, Halloween has also spread throughout Europe. Unfortunately, this is displacing old traditions such as the St. Martin’s Day festival, when children walk around on November 11, sing St. Martin’s songs, and ask for fruit or sweets at people’s doors. As with other festivals, this is also driven by the interests of those who want to sell sweets and fancy-dress costumes.