Did you know? Contrary to popular belief, Halloween is not an American holiday. It originated in Ireland, and was exported to the United States following the exodus caused by the Great Irish Famine (1845-1848). For historians, Halloween wouldn’t be so well known around the world if Ireland hadn’t experienced hunger and the blight crisis (a parasite that contaminates potatoes). Here are a few explanations to make things clearer.
Halloween didn’t always exist under this name. Today’s festival has its origins in a much later Irish pagan festival, dating back some 2500 years: Samain. It was a Gaelic festival, marking the end of the harvest season, and the beginning of the colder nights that marked the start of winter.
The festival took place over one night, from October 31st to November 1st. Bonfires were lit for the occasion, and pagan rituals were performed.
At the time, people believed that this was the night when the real world and the world of spirits met. It was thought that spirits could roam freely on this night in the world of the living… The Irish therefore multiplied their rituals to ward off the spirits and keep them away from them. Some even went door to door to wish their neighbors happiness and protection.
The festival was also an opportunity to enjoy some fine feasting. Pranks were also commonplace, as were costumes, with many taking advantage of wandering “spirits” to exact revenge on a friend or foe.
Over the centuries, the festival has evolved somewhat: in the 19th century, it retained its traditions, while integrating the notion of sweets. From then on, it was common to go door-to-door in the neighborhood and receive gifts or treats.
Pumpkins and turnips were also carved for the occasion to make Jack O’Lanterns.
The Great Irish Famine – Domaine Public
It was precisely at this time that the party gradually took hold in the United States. At the time, Americans had no knowledge of the holiday, and their puritanical leanings automatically ruled out such pagan celebrations.
But all that changed in 1845, when Ireland was hit hard by late blight: the country’s potato fields were all contaminated by a devastating fungus, making the crops unfit for consumption.
Before long, the Irish were starving to death… with no help from the British. Thousands of people lost their lives… And many decided to flee the country for America.
So it was precisely the Irish exodus that brought Samain to the United States. There, the Irish integrate perfectly and share their traditions.
Americans were seduced, and appreciated the concept of treats and door-to-door sales. They see it as an opportunity to let off steam and have fun for a night. They were quick to adopt the traditions of the holiday, calling it “Halloween”.
Over the following decades, celebrations in the U.S. became more refined, with pranks kept to a minimum, and increasingly inventive costume ideas. Sweets are evolving in a positive direction, becoming more gourmet than ever before.
Pumpkins also replace turnips for Jack O’Lanterns.
Since then, Halloween has become a veritable institution in the United States! So much so, in fact, that you’d think it was a typically American party! Many even believe that the American party has invaded European culture… when in fact the exact opposite is true!
So it all started in Ireland… Something to make the Irish proud!
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