Halloween
Celebrated on the last night of October, Halloween marks the day before the western Christian feast of All Hallows and commences the season of Allhallowtide. The celebrations include pranks, parties, trick-or-treats, and costumes.
That said, the celebration of Halloween has numerous myths behind it. Myths affect the way we celebrate and perceive this holiday.
We thought of digging up ancient history to burst some spooky myths. Moreover, we also share our top makeup look for Halloween to celebrate it in the full swing. Therefore, choose the best pick for yourself and make your makeup a hit this season!
Spooky Halloween Myths
Myth: Halloween Was A Costume Contest
Both kids and adults assume that Halloween started as a costume contest. Considering the love for Halloween costumes across cultures, it’s easy to believe so. However, it’s a big myth.
Since the boundary between the living world and the spirit world is at its thinnest, people feared spirits visiting them. Because of this, people started to dress up in disguise. Some cultures thought that evil could not find a human being if he was dressed up as evil himself.
Dressing up as evil is considered to give people protection and hide them from evil spirits. Hence, Halloween did not start as a costume contest but people wear costumes to confuse spirits.
Myth: Halloween is Only About Scary Things
On Halloween, you get to see all the spine-chilling things happen. That’s when many horror movies are released and you see all the decor featuring skeletons, skulls, and ghosts.
But the idea that this holiday is only about the scary stuff is nothing but a myth because it’s not historically accurate.
Halloween, also referred to as All Hallows’ Eve, was the time when Christians prayed for the lost and departed souls. Followed by Saint’s Day which was spent giving appreciation to all saints celebrated in the Christianity.
That’s why this holiday isn’t just about ghosts, costumes, and skulls. Historically, it’s the time to pray for lost souls.
Myth: Witches Take Over Black Cats to Torture Them
The idea that witches take over cats during Halloween is widespread. You will notice many households preparing a separate area for their black cats and black rabbits to protect them.
However, it’s just another big myth. The witches are considered kind to all animals, especially cats.
The religion of Wicca respects all the creatures on earth. It’s nature-based and witches do not harm cats during Halloween or any other day. Thus, there is no black cat harm during Halloween.
Myth: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Is The Actual Halloween Story
Sleepy Hollow, New York is the perfect destination for the Halloween holiday. This famous village gets into the complete Halloween Shenanigans. From parades and live music to haunted hayrides and mansions - everything is exceptional there during Halloween.
Even though it’s well-known for Halloween, Sleepy hollow isn’t a real Halloween tale. In fact, The Legends of Sleepy Hollow is a short story from the classic gothic story of John Irving.
Published in 1820, this short story is perfect for sharing with kids during holidays. But, Halloween is not mentioned in the tale.
Myth: Halloween Is A Wicked And Devilish Holiday
Given the evil-inspired costumes, some people regard Halloween as a wicked and satanic holiday. In fact, some religions forbid participating in Halloween. However, the concept of this holiday does not come from devil-inspired activities.
The celebration of Halloween can be traced back to Christian’s All Hallow's Eve and the Celtic spiritual celebration of Samhain. The festival was held for three days at the end of summer.
It includes bonfires to bid farewell to the year’s harvest and welcome the cold winter season ahead.
Myth: America Is The Only Country Celebrating Halloween
Halloween is often considered a United States official holiday. While it’s true, America isn’t the only country celebrating Halloween.
People around Europe, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Canada have also been celebrating Halloween.