Halloween, trick or treat, jacko lanterns, costumes, ghosts and spooks. It’s here. Today, it’s a big deal. But, did you know that Halloween began in ancient Celtic cultures and actually has agricultural origins? USDA historical expert Ann Effland says for the Celts in the British Isles, October 31st was the last day of the year, and time to bring livestock in for the winter, which may have led historians to connect Halloween with some sort of mysterious ritual of sacrificing animals:
Even so, the ancient Celts seem to believe that on October 31st, the unsettled spirits of dead people could roam the countryside playing tricks on people:
…and from those ancient traditions, we still have our harvest festivals, dressing up and trick or treat.
