Spirits for Supper in Halloween History

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Ginny on behalf of Expert Village and I'd like to tell you a story, come travel back in time with me as we explore the brief history of Halloween. Over time, ancient Celtic, ancient Roman, and early Christian traditions, customs, and beliefs blended together throughout Europe and different areas have similar, yet, unique ways to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of winter. Especially in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, Halloween became a very popular celebration. Throughout Europe people continued to believe in destructive spirits and wicked ghosts that wandered the land during the night of Halloween. Some believed they were spirits of dead relatives and invited them in for large meals afraid that if the spirits did not get enough to eat they would play tricks on the living. Everyone was afraid of these spirits and did different things to protect themselves. Some people wore garlands of garlic around their necks as protection, or hung strands of garlic from door posts or other places in their homes. Others would stay up all night, close together, playing games, trying to tell each other's fortunes and keeping fires burning brightly to ward off witches, ghosts, and demons. Stay turned for the History of Halloween, Chapter 8."