When people think of Halloween, they think of Trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples, Jack-o-lanterns and other family activities. But do you know the ancient and true story behind Halloween? Halloween dates back more then 2000 years to a Celtic festival known as Samhain (Sah-win) which is celebrated on November 1st. According to Wikipedia,

Samhain was seen as a liminal time, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld could more easily be crossed. This meant the Aos Sí, the 'spirits' or 'fairies', could more easily come into our world. Most scholars see the Aos Sí as remnants of the pagan gods and nature spirits. At Samhain, it was believed that the Aos Sí needed to be propitiated to ensure that the people and their livestock survived the winter. Offerings of food and drink were left outside for them. The souls of the dead were also thought to revisit their homes seeking hospitality.

People would also dress as ghosts when leaving their homes so they would not attract other spirits. it wasn't until the 1950's and 60' that Halloween became the commercial holiday it is today, bringing in more then $6 billion dollars a year, second only to Christmas.

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