FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Things You Need To Know About Halloween

Saanya Malhotra

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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It’s one of the most intriguing festivals yet I’ve felt it has never really been given its due here in India. As all my friends studying abroad prepare to celebrate the festival in a massive way, I thought it was time we got to know what is Halloween all about and finally open up to our creepy side.

Creepy Fact #1

Though we identify this festival primarily by the eccentric disguises and costume parties, it’s fundamentally a Christianized version of the Celtic festival for the dead ‘Samhain’. The whole idea to dress up in Halloween costumes and leave treats on the doorsteps was to mollify the dead spirits they believed roamed freely on this very night!

halloween — This canvas is a recreation of the Halloween party attended by the artist in 1832 in Ireland | Photo credit: 1833 painting by Daniel Maclise

So apparently ghosts are real…Thanks mom!

Creepy Fact #2

If you’re not too familiar with the concept of Trick or Treat, here’s how it works. Children come dressed in costumes to every house asking for treats (Think- Candied/Toffee Apples, Caramel Corn, Cakes, Pie and Candy or just some money) and if you intend to refuse their asks, you’re in for a ‘trick’ (read as threat) of some sort of mischief. Don’t smirk at the naivety of it all; things can get pretty serious out there when you refuse a toffee to a child with devil horns.

Studies have shown that children tend to get more evil post this festival, especially since they are without any adult supervision.

Creepy Fact #3

If you’re not really sure about what you’re supposed to do today, here’s your modus operandi for the night- A mini bonfire, some trick or treating , making jack o’ lanterns (a.k.a lit up carved pumpkin faces), and dressing up in Halloween costumes. Living in a city like London, Dublin or LA has its perks, with its various Halloween conventions and parties in almost every nook and corner.

halloween lantern — The carved jack o' lanterns are a symbol of Halloween and originally represented the souls of the dead.

In the olden times, people believed that one found their soul mate on Halloween. So go ahead, have that party and who knows a great Halloween may lead to a somewhat eventful Valentine’s day!

Creepy Fact #4

Dressing up in costume is the highlight of this festival. Whether it’s a massive convention or a small party of 4, be innovative and get your ghoul on! You can choose to dress up as your favourite childhood cartoon character or a scary witch, the options are plenty.

According to sources dating back to the ancient Roman times, people in present day Germany and France traditionally wore costumes of animal heads and skins. Today you will also find many people celebrating by cross-dressing.

halloween

Do comment and let us know how your Halloween went!

Saanya Malhotra

Saanya is known for two things: her excellent musical taste (read: Pink Floyd) and her magical ability to sniff out the best eateries in any locale. An avid traveller, and Economics student, Saanya does what she loves and loves what she does!

Comments

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