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The History and Customs of Halloween spans almost 3,000 years!

The history behind Halloween is long and there are some remarkable associations which, over millenniums of practice, survive in some form today.

The Celts were the first Halloween celebrants, around 2900 B.C., although the name of the original celebration was Samhain. The occasion of Samhain was to mark the end of their year, October 31, probably relating to the end of harvest.

However, the Celts also believed that the dead had their day each year on Samhain, allowed to roam the earth, sometimes disguised as animals. This put a little spookiness into the harvest season.

The Celts were pagans at this time. One of the customs on Samhain was to collect and exchange food to appease the gods and keep evil spirits at bay. To this end, they dressed in costumes, wearing and brandishing scary masks, designed to frighten off these evil spirits, in much the same way gargoyles were later used on churches.

Bonfires were also customary, as an added measure to ensure the evil spirits did not gain a foothold in their community. So costumes, masks, pumpkins and treats were an integral part of the history behind Halloween from the beginning.

Christians converted the pagan Samhain celebration into a Christian celebration of Halloween, followed on November 1 by All Saint’s Day. This cleverly served to divert the offerings to pagan gods and point celebrants in a Christian direction. This strategy did, eventually succeed.

Over a period of hundreds of years, Halloween gradually picked up superstitious myths and stories, some still hanging on to the pagan rituals and ideas. So, today’s ghost stories around the campfire became part of the history behind Halloween traditions.

While Halloween began as a celebration and ritual holiday for adults, in the early part of the 20th century, the adults started behaving badly, with malicious acts overshadowing the treat aspect. The malicious tricks became so severe, the history behind Halloween might have ended there. People banded together to preserve this fun holiday tradition for kids only. For about 50 years thereafter, adults didn’t go trick or treating.

Around the 1980s, adults celebrating Halloween came back in vogue. Although most adults still don’t go trick or treating, due to the typically chilly reception they receive, they do attend adult Halloween parties where the host provides the treats and everyone gets into costumes, just as the ancient Celts did.

For more information on The History and Customs of Halloween and some great ideas for the party click the link but its ok if your to scared, we understand.

Halloween is my favorite holiday. As the weather cools, the leaves turn and summer is over, I start looking forward to autumn, and, specifically, Halloween. Every year, I do what I can to make that particular Halloween my best Halloween ever. If you are interested in having your best Halloween ever, follow some of my tips and tricks and you might just succeed in having your best Halloween ever.

The best Halloween ever will have four qualities. The first of which would include some excellent jack-o-lanterns and other spooky decor. Certainly both my mom and my aunt knew the importance of creating a thematic atmosphere with holidays, and their favorite was probably Halloween as well. They spent a whole day picking out pumpkins to carve, and then carving them, as well as toasting the pumpkin seeds. They draped “spider-webs” everywhere as well as cackling witch decorations.

Another quality of the best Halloween ever is the treats. Candy is an essential ingredient of any good time, especially for the young children in their Halloween costumes. But there are several adults that have vicious sweet tooths as well and having plenty of candy on hand is important for my best Halloween ever.

Of course, treats are not just sugary confections. In many circles, a round of festive alcoholic beverages are just the “treats” you need for the best Halloween ever. Playing on the holiday themes, drink names such as witches’ brew, goblin juice and many others are just some of the examples of fun with names, themes, and, of course, adult drinks.

Finally, the most important quality for the best Halloween ever is the Halloween costume. Don’t even bother trying to celebrate Halloween in jeans and a sweatshirt. Whether you are trick-or-treating door-to-door or going to a party, whether you are six, sixteen, thirty-six or sixty-six years old, everyone should dress up as something for Halloween. And no, a costume is a costume, not just jeans and a sweatshirt and a cop-out. Dressing up as a vampire or witch, ghost or monster takes virtually no time at all, while costing very little money. There really is no excuse not to dress up at Halloween.

These are the key ingredients for the best Halloween ever, or, at least, my best Halloween ever. Your best Halloween ever could be something completely different, for more great tricks and tips for a great holiday click the link!

Fast, simple and Affordable Halloween Party Ideas for Adults

Halloween is a beloved American holiday. Many children get excited about the costumes they will select or make with parents and wear to school. Many teachers got out of their way to plan Halloween parties at school for kids to partake in. Many community centers plan special Halloween events that all families are invited to.

Parties are a big part of the holiday because most of the holiday revolves around comparing costumes with other party. Some parties even have a contest and award a prize to the best costume at the end of the evening. Most likely, the most creative costume will win or a costume that has a clear amount of detail poured into it.

While kids get excited, many people look for adult Halloween party ideas year after year. Many adults throw parties that children are not allowed to, making it easier for everyone to loosen up. 

Some Halloween party ideas for adults are simple to recreate without a lot of time or money. A great way to set your Halloween party is to have it start very late on the actual holiday. Since the holiday is known as an opportunity to scare people, starting it at night when it’s dark out is the only way to go. 

Secondly, make costumes mandatory. If people cannot embarrass themselves on Halloween, when can they? People that do not wear costumes on Halloween are the one’s who stick out.  Write on the invitation that if they are attending your party, they must wear a costume.

Another adult Halloween party idea is to serve a fun cocktail. Since there will not be children present, it is okay for people to drink. You can find a festive punch bowl, or simply buy one that is orange and/or black. Mix together a witch’s brew of vanilla vodka, green food coloring and peach juice. Everyone will love the sweet treat.

Games are also a great way o break the ice between people who haven’t met before. Find a large clean metal bushel, fill it with water and drop apples into it. People can bob for apples by holding there hands behind their backs, bending forward and sticking there face into the bushel, trying to grab an apple with their teeth. This game can lead to some pretty fun flirting.

Some great Halloween party ideas for adults include your choice of costume. Since there will not be children present, feel free to dress up in something risqué or completely out of character for you. This is that one time of year when you can really let loose.

To uncover some great Affordable Halloween Party Ideas for Adults just click the link Now!