The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Origins of Halloween

Samhain, October 31, is the Celtic feast of the dead, honoring the
Aryan Lord of Death, Samana (the Irish call it the Vigil of Saman).
Witches still leave offerings of "soul cakes" for the deceased
ancestors, a custom that has been transformed into the giving of
treats to the travelers who wander about on that night (i.e., "trick
or treat").

In ancient times it was believed that if the right offerings and
sacrifices were not made, the spirits of the dead would take advantage
of the opening in the seam between the worlds to come and do harm and
mischief to the living.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MANCHESTER

Date learned: 01-00-1992