Halloween is with us again despite 2020 proving to be scarier than the night itself. This ‘odd’ festivity is a yearly celebration taking place in many countries worldwide on the 31st October. This year we lack live events and places to go to celebrate Halloween. But one may ask, what is Halloween and how did this strange celebration come about? How do people in Malta celebrate Halloween and which famous entertainer died on the 31st of October?
It’s Origin
The word ‘Halloween’ originates from the All Saints’ (hallows’) Eve. This is the eve before All Saints’ Day, a time in the liturgical year that remembers the dead, saints and martyrs in particular. Its tradition may be an influence of ancient Celtic harvest festivals, many of which have pagan roots. Some academics believe that Halloween began as a Christian holiday, the night before All Saints Day, 1st November .
Halloween Nowadays
The celebration takes on several different activities around the world. Some people decorate with pumpkins carved into jack-o-laterns. Others spend the night around bonfires, telling or reading out scary stories. Haunted House attractions, horror movies and Halloween consume parties are usually put on across the world to celebrate this festivity in a manner suitable to various people and ages.
For many years, in the US, it is a popular celebration among children. Activities for children include costume parties and the famous ‘Trick or Treat’ activity. Children dress up in costume, knocking on neighbors’ door demanding a ‘Trick or Treat’. If given candy, these are considered as a Treat and thus the children depart with a friendly farewell. If not given any sweets the victim may receive a childish prank instead.
In Europe Halloween is just taking off in the recent years, mirroring similar traditions and activities as that of the US.
However not everyone sees this eve as an eve to celebrate or dress up in ghostly and bloody costumes. Christians see this as a night to reflect on the dead, lighting candles on their graves and organising church gatherings for prayer.
Halloween In Malta
In Malta, Halloween is becoming more and more popular as time goes by. Children are starting the ‘Trick and Treat’ activates across their villages and towns. Costume parties, Halloween themed parties are organised across the islands. For adults there are several clubbing events and nightclubs offering a ‘terrific’ Halloween themed night out for all those wanting to celebrate and party the night into the early hours of the morning. Commercially speaking, various outlets offer a variety of costumes, decorations and Halloween themed products to dress yourself, your home or atmosphere in a scary but fun manner.
Famous Halloween Entertainment
Famous Entertainer – Houdini
