Hello Again, Halloween

Halloween as we know it today is celebrated by families all over the world. Kids have fun dressing up in costumes and visiting each other’s houses for trick-or-treating. Grown-ups don’t miss out on the fun either – here in Malaysia, work parties and mini gatherings amongst friends are held with participants dressed as characters from popular movies and tv shows. But the Halloween of today is actually an ‘Americanised’ version of a Celtic celebration that dates back to ancient times.

During the 8th century, this tradition eventually merged with the Christian celebration of All Saints Day (1st November ), and the night before became known as ‘All Hallow’s Eve’ – later shortened to ‘Halloween’. It is not very clear where the traditions of trick-or-treating came from, however it is said to echo the medieval British practice of ‘guising’ on All Soul’s Day (2nd November), where kids would go around collecting gifts of food and wine in return for dancing, singing, or reciting poetry.