What’s your favorite scary movie? Do you like being frightened? How do you feel on Halloween?
Halloween originated over 2,000 years ago in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain which was mostly celebrated until November first. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. They would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off evil spirits. Years before then the thought of being scared was kind of admired by most. Nowadays the thought of Halloween is not about the demonic side but the kids being able to dress up and stuff their faces with candy. There is always a deeper meaning behind these traditions that we have modernized over time.
“I love Halloween because it’s a time where I can let my creativity show. I enjoy the thrill of spooky movies and haunted houses. Plus, who doesn’t love candy?” shared freshmen, Trinity Booker.
Before handing out candy was part of the tradition the ancient Celts would leave food offerings for the spirits and in begging they would ask for “Soul Cakes” in exchange for praying for the dead. Many people believed the idea of Halloween influenced many serial killers in their acts. Causing people to dress up as them on this day in honor of their notorious deeds. Later this brought things like horror movies becoming a popular genre during this time. The first short film that came out was Le Manoir du Diable (The House of the Devil or The Haunted Castle), directed by Georges Méliès.
Many places around the world are known for their horror and voodoo, for example New Orleans. Most known for their voodoo attraction, it originated from the West African spiritual traditions brought by enslaved people, which then blended with Roman Catholicism, creating a unique hybrid religion. They adapted and preserved through shared rituals in places like Congo Square. Tourists and townspeople claim black magic surrounds this area heavily. “I visited New Orleans during the Halloween season one year and attended their Voodoo Parade and if you love Halloween, it’s a must check out place during the season. There is an energy and vibe down there in October unlike anywhere else,” shares Ms. Glenn.
People like Marie Laveau emerged in New Orleans, with her practice of combining spiritual elements with public healing and rituals becoming both feared and sought after, turning negative press into power. Local shops, museums, and public ceremonies, while its historical roots are shown and represented.
Halloween is a well loved October Fall tradition. “Halloween is my favorite holiday, I don’t dress up anymore but I do go out to parties and haunted houses. The thought of being scared is fun to a certain extent. Clowns are the most frightening though and I can’t do them,” shares Taniyah Jones.
So dare I ask again now that you know how Halloween started what’s your favorite scary movie? Do you like being frightened?
