The History of Halloween

Halloween traces its roots back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celts and their festival of Samhain.

Celebrated on the evening of October 31st, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter, when it was believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. Celts lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off roaming spirits, assuming that the ghosts of the deceased returned to Earth on this night.

With the spread of Christianity, the Church established All Hallows’ Eve on October 31st, the night before All Saints’ Day, which fell on November 1st. Over time, traditions intertwined, leading to the modern version of Halloween we know today. While the spiritual significance may have faded, the remnants of these ancient beliefs are still apparent in our contemporary celebrations.

Ultimately, Halloween stands as a celebration of life, death, and the mysteries that lie in between. It’s a time for communities to come together, embrace the change of seasons, and acknowledge the cycles of growth and decay. Today, Halloween provides an opportunity for creativity and connection, as families and friends gather to enjoy festivities that honour both the past and the present.

As you prepare for this year's celebrations, take a moment to reflect on the rich history of Halloween and the customs that have shaped this hauntingly delightful holiday. And what better place to delve into the history of this popular holiday than Halloween at Bodmin Jail, a location steeped in mystery and the perfect backdrop for this autumnal occasion? 

Please note that we do not own any of the images featured. All images were found through Google image search for the purpose of history and storytelling.