It’s that time of year again – Halloween is here. There’s a noticeable chill in the air, the leaves are changing colors, and people are trading in their tank tops and sandals for peacoats and boots. Wait, who am I kidding?
The temperature dropped by about ten degrees, so okay, Arizona, I’ll give you that #desertlife. Although we may not have much of a fall “season,” one thing the Valley definitely has is Halloween spirit!!
The History of Halloween
We love Halloween, and we also love history. Since it has become a bit of a tradition on this blog to regale readers with random, lesser-known or appreciated historical facts behind many of the holidays we celebrate, here’s a snippet on the history of Trick-or-Treating. And let’s be honest, if it was still appropriate, most adults would still partake in this epic pastime! Apparently, according to the History Channel’s website:
“Halloween has its roots in the ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on the night of October 31. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, believed that the dead returned to earth on Samhain.
People would gather to light bonfires, offer sacrifices, and pay homage to the deceased. During some Celtic celebrations of Samhain, villagers disguised themselves in costumes made of animal skins to drive away phantom visitors; banquet tables were prepared and edible offerings were left out to placate unwelcome spirits.
More Recent Halloween Traditions
In more recent centuries, people began dressing as ghosts, demons, and other malevolent creatures, performing antics in exchange for food and drink. This custom, known as mumming, dates back to the Middle Ages and is thought to be an antecedent of trick-or-treating.”
Of course, the term “trick-or-treating” was later coined and made an American popular culture icon in 1951 thanks to a Peanuts comic strip as well as a Disney cartoon featuring Donald Duck.
Halloween Events This Year
For those of us who do not plan on trick-or-treating and will be spending Halloween treating ourselves to a night out on the town, here is a list of events geared for some good-hearted adult fun taking place all week before Halloween and Halloween night. For anyone looking for some family-friendly Halloween or Autumn inspired fun, including costume ideas, haunted houses, and Halloween baking recipes, check out that list here. And of course, don’t forget Halloween-inspired homemade beverages here!
Of course, we would be remiss without a timely cautionary tale. If history tells us anything other than understanding the meaning behind traditions, it is that holidays around the Valley mean more police on the roads and more DUI saturation patrols.
If you come in contact with law enforcement, be sure to give your Scottsdale DUI attorney a call as soon as possible.
Please consume responsibly, drive safely, and know your rights!
One last tip…avoid dressing up as a clown if at all possible!