Origin of Halloween?
Halloween, Origin of Source: Francis X. Weiser, Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs (New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, Inc., 1958), pp. 315, 316. Copyright 1952 by Francis X. Weiser. Used by permission of the publishers. [p. 315] Druidic Element. Unlike the familiar observance of All Souls, Halloween traditions have never been connected with Christian religious celebrations of any kind. Although the name is taken from a great Christian feast (Allhallows” Eve), it has nothing in common with the Feast of All Saints, and is, instead, a tradition of pre-Christian times that has retained its original character in form and meaning. Halloween customs are traced back to the ancient Druids Halloween fires are kindled in many places even now, especially in Wales and Scotland. Another, and more important, tradition is the Druidic belief that during the night of November 1 demons, witches, and evil spirits roamed the earth in wild and furious gambols of joy to greet the arrival of “their
