Halloween is a festivity that many people celebrate and enjoy each year. Although it has become extremely popular and somewhat commercial in America it is a little known fact that Halloween festivities originate from Ireland.

Halloween parties are easy to organise but to turn them into a memorable occasion a little planning is advised. The following is a brief guide to help you get the most out of your Halloween parties.

Halloween has been celebrated for centuries and was originally known as All Hallows Even. This is as it was the celebration leading up to All Hallows Day, hence the All Hallows Eve. All Hallows day was also known as All Saint’s as it was a day of religious celebration throughout Pagan settlements in Europe.

Historians believe that before All Hallows Eve, similar festivities were originally celebrated as Samhain. Samhain originated from Pagan settlements amongst the Celts and the rest of ancient Britain. This sheds light onto how Halloween has become popular across America as immigrants brought the tradition over with them.

Folklore tells that Halloween is a special day in the calendar for spiritual reasons. It is thought of as the one day of the year when spirits from other realms can reach living people on Earth. Any magic practiced is meant to have significantly increased potency which explains the numerous links and acknowledgements between Halloween and witchcraft.

Despite all the occult origins and themes of Halloween the festivities are all about fun and enjoyment. Halloween has many traditions and activities that countless people enjoy each year.

• Bobbing for Apples is a well established Halloween game that is still popular today. Originally known as dukin, bobbing for apples is a Scottish tradition that has stood the test of time. All you need to play are some apples, a bucket or large container to hold several litres of water and lots of people. Players take to turns to get apples out of the water using just their teeth, moving their head in a “bobbing” motion.
• Trick or Treating is one of the most practiced traditions of Halloween, particularly in America. Children go out in groups dressed in costumes and visit their neighbour’s houses. When somebody answers the door the children ask them “trick or treat?” and the neighbour responds. If the neighbour says treat then the children receive sweets or small amounts of money. However if the neighbour says trick the children will leave and play a trick on the house.

Pumpkin Carving is another popular festivity that is only practiced around Halloween. With the help of adults children hollow out pumpkins which they then carve scary faces into. These are usually hung outside as Jack ‘o Lanterns around the front of houses with candles inside to illuminate the features. Jack ‘o Lanterns were originally used to ward off bad spirits in Halloween and protect the owner’s family.