What is Halloween? Why is it celebrated?

WHAT IS HALLOWEEN?

Celebrated every year on October 31, Halloween is one of the oldest holidays celebrated in the world. The history of Halloween, which is a contraction of All Hallow’s Eve—the eve of All Saints' Day celebrated on November 1 in the Christian faith—actually dates back a very long time.

Although it has Pagan and later Christian roots, it has become a secular celebration today. It is a holiday where children often go door-to-door, wearing scary costumes, to collect candy and pocket money. Activities during the celebrations include masquerade balls, horror movie screenings, and carving jack-o'-lanterns from pumpkins.

WHY IS HALLOWEEN CELEBRATED?

October 31, the date Halloween is celebrated each year, is considered a modern reflection of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Known as the Celtic New Year, Samhain symbolizes the end of the harvest season. According to belief, the boundary between the living and the dead thins on this date, and it is believed that spirits cross over into our world.

Samhain is a festival where the Celts celebrated the beginning of winter and paid respect to nature spirits through rituals.

All Hallows’ Eve is the period when Samhain was transformed by the influence of Christianity and became a night to commemorate the dead.

WHEN DID HALLOWEEN FIRST START BEING CELEBRATED?

Halloween is a traditional celebration dating back to ancient communities such as the Celts and the Germanic peoples.

Although it is not known exactly when it was first celebrated, it is thought to have been celebrated since ancient times, around 4000 B.C.

HOW IS HALLOWEEN CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE?

This special day, celebrated every year on October 31, generally symbolizes the beginning of the winter season. The candy-collecting activity known as "trick-or-treating," which is the most popular form of celebration in the United States, is very popular among children.

Halloween parties are held in many countries, especially in North America and European countries, and homes are decorated with witch figures and scary decorations.

WHEN DID HALLOWEEN START BEING CELEBRATED IN TURKEY?

"Halloween," celebrated under its own name, began to be observed in Turkey in recent years with events held in different cities during the last week of October. Those participating in celebrations in districts like Taksim and Kadıköy in Istanbul entered venues in various costumes.

WHAT IS THE PLACE AND IMPACT OF HALLOWEEN IN POPULAR CULTURE?

Halloween has become a major pop culture phenomenon, especially in Europe and the United States. Often filled with costumes, parties, and events, this festival has firmly established its place and importance in popular culture today, with Halloween-themed series and films receiving great interest and sales increasing in the costume and decoration industry.