The Dark Side of Halloween: A Personal Encounter with the Real-Life Horrors
Halloween, a night of costumes, candy, and fun. But did you know there’s a darker side to this festive occasion? I’ve delved deep into the history and real-life events of Halloween, and I’m here to share my findings with you.
Why do we celebrate Halloween?
Growing up, I always wondered about the origins of Halloween. Why do we dress up? Why do we go door-to-door asking for candy? As I dug deeper, I discovered that the celebration in western culture comes from a mix of ancient practices. The earliest practices can be traced back to Christian principles, with the day before All Hallows’ Day (or All Saints’ Day) being “All Hallow’s Eve”, or October 31st. However, the traditions we know today were heavily influenced by the Scottish and Irish.
Is Halloween a religious celebration?
In a way, yes. It’s influenced by Christian traditions. November 1st marks All Hallow’s Day (or All Saint’s Day), a tradition of honoring saints and praying for recently departed souls. In the early days, people would dress in mourning and go door-to-door collecting “soul cakes”. Some even dressed as the soul they represented to receive gifts on their behalf.
What’s the Festival of Samhain?
This is where things get interesting. The Festival of Samhain marked shorter days and an end to harvest for the Celtic pagans. They believed that spirits and fairies, known as Aos Si, would be physically present on Earth during this time. This festival included bonfires, apple bobbing, and other rituals. People would dress in costumes and go door-to-door reciting verses or songs in exchange for food. If they weren’t given food, they’d threaten mischief.
How did Halloween become popular in North America?
Halloween’s popularity in North America can be attributed to Irish and Scottish immigrants. As they settled in the New World, they brought along their traditions. Over time, these traditions blended with American culture, and by the 20th century, Halloween had transformed into the massive retail holiday we know today.
Are crimes more common on Halloween?
Yes, and this is where my personal experience comes into play. Halloween does have a connection to criminal activity. There’s a spike in violent crime, underage drinking, burglary, and vandalism during Halloween in America. I’ve seen this firsthand in my community, and it’s a chilling reminder that not all monsters wear masks.
What’s the connection between Halloween and murder?
Since the mid-20th century, Halloween has become synonymous with murder. While pop culture, with movies like Halloween featuring the fictional killer Michael Myers, has played a role, real-life events have also contributed. Cities like Boston see a 50% increase in violent crimes during trick-or-treat hours. In 2021, at least 13 people were murdered during Halloween mass shootings across the US.So, as you prepare for this Halloween, remember to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. Halloween is a time for fun and celebration, but it’s also a time to be cautious. I’ve seen the darker side of this holiday, and I urge you to take precautions to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe.
References:
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