How Did Halloween Come to Be So Scary?

Halloween had its origins as the Festival of Samhain. It was celebrated by the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. Samhain was November 1st, a day that marked the beginning of the winter season.

Not too scary yet, right? But wait…

During the Samhain festival the souls of those who had died were believed to return to visit their homes, and those who had died during the year were believed to journey to the otherworld.

Getting scarier?

People would set bonfires on village hilltops so they could relight their hearth fires for the upcoming winter but also to frighten away evil spirits. People sometimes wore masks and other means of disguise to avoid being recognized by the ghosts that they thought were present. That is how Halloween got to be so scary, and beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day.

Interesting enough, the day was also thought to be favorable for successful marriages and good luck in health and death. Go figure!

So when those cute little goblins and witches show up at your door this Halloween, be very afraid!

Happy Halloween from all of us at the Red Hot Homes Team!