Halloween - ECN Electrical Forums

Just a small question.
What does Halloween actually celebrate (apart from a Cash cow for Confectionery manufacturers)?.
How ever you celebrate this day, don't try this:
[Linked Image]

{Message edited to correct spelling error}

[This message has been edited by Trumpy (edited 11-01-2003).]

LOL! "Maybe now you'll realize that mother was right and you'll leave old Durwood!" [Linked Image]

Quote

Halloween or All Hallows Eve, originated from the Pagan Holiday Samhain (pronounced sow-wen). Its name means summers end. This spirit connotation originated as the ancient Celtic druids paid tribute with gifts and food (and sometimes it was rumored sacrifices) to the spirit world to insure that next year’s crop would be bountiful. It was a time for communicating with the dead and receiving wisdom from past ancestors to insure prosperity.

When the Christians set about to convert the pagans, some adaptation of these spiritual rituals had to be made to keep the Pagans in the Church. Therefore, November 1st became “All Saints Day” to honor all those in heaven and October 31st was tacked on as “All Hallows Eve” or Halloween, the night when all the dead are remembered.

http://www.essortment.com/in/Holidays.History/

Hey Paul,
Thanks for that explanation of Halloween!.
I had an idea that it had something to do with Pagan rituals and the dead.
I've just had a look at your link above and I can't believe that someone would be as low as to try and poison people on a night that is supposed to be for celebration, even if most of the people involved haven't got a clue what the night is for.
I've always been the sort of person that likes stories of Demons and Devils and Witchcraft, this sort of stuff really intrigues me, just a thirst for knowledge really, I don't take it seriously!. [Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by Trumpy (edited 11-01-2003).]

Samhain is the time when the veil between the worlds of spirit and the living is said to be the thinnest, and therefore an ideal time to make contact with the dead.

Also considered the Pagan "new year" celebration.
http://www.paganspath.com/magik/celtic/samhain.htm

[This message has been edited by NJwirenut (edited 11-01-2003).]

Not related to Halloween, but we're approaching that time of year in Britain when we remember Guy Fawkes and his attempt to blow up parliament some 400 years ago.

The Gunpowder Plot

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Some of the English have been known to wonder whether they are celebrating Fawkes' execution or honoring his attempt to do away with the government.

How true!

[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 11-01-2003).]

Trumpy:
It's not celebrated in NZ?

With all the trivial explanations behind us, let's call this evil holiday what it is, BEG-AWEEN. [Linked Image]

(gimme, gimme, gimme)

Beg-aween is a term I heard by Robert D. Raiford of the "John Boy and Billy Big Show"

Roger

I was E-mailed this joke today:

The door bell, rings, and a man answers it. Here
stands this plain
but well dressed kid, saying, "Trick or Treat!"

The man asks the kid what he's dressed up like for
Halloween. The
kid says, "I'm an IRS agent."

Then he takes 28% of the man's candy, leaves, and
doesn't say Thank
You.