In days gone by, people feared the coming of Halloween. They believed that the spirits who walked the earth on this day were capable of possessing their bodies. To discourage them, they darkened their houses to make them appear as cold and unwelcome as possible. Donning all manner of frightening dress they rowdily took to the streets in an attempt to scare the spirits off.
In America children threaten "trick or treat" as they approach different doors. In Scotland adults demand more value for their sweets. Children are expected to perform a party piece - joke, song or story - before cashing in on the sweetie prize.
Halloween marks the modern witches' New Year's eve. It is a time spent celebrating death, fertility, and renewal.
The name witch comes from the Saxon term wica, meaning wise one.
In Mexico Halloween is known as Los Dias de los Muertos (the day of the dead). However, it isn't a time of sadness but one of great rejoicing. At this time of year the Monarch Butterflies, which have summered up north in the United States and Canada, return to Mexico. They are believed to bear the spirits of the dearly departed and are warmly welcomed home.
Before Christianity of Europe, females with special powers were revered as wise women. It wasn't until 1484 that Pope Innocent III sanctioned witch-hunting.
In Ireland, wealthy landlords used to distribute gifts of food to their poorer tenants at Halloween. When the potato crop failed the Irish who moved to America in droves are thought to have introduced Halloween traditions to their new homeland.
In days gone by, bonfires were lit to scare off the supernatural creatures that struck fear into superstitious hearts.
The tradition of witches riding their brooms isn't just because they were the handiest flight objects available. The broomstick is symbolic of the magical powers of females since it is employed in the cleansing of ritual places.
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