Samhain Throughout the Years

By 43 AD, the Roman Empire had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. Eventually, two festivals of Roman origin ended up combined with the traditional Celtic Samhain. The first Roman festival, known as Feralia, was a day in late October when Romans commemorated the passing of the dead. The second, a day honoring Pomona – the Roman goddess of fruit and trees – is linked to the tradition of bobbing for apples. Pomona’s symbol is the apple.

On May 13, 609 AD, Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honor of all Christian martyrs, ultimately establishing The Catholic feast of All Martyrs Day. Pope Gregory III later expanded the festival to include saints moving the observance from the month of May to November 1st. When Christianity’s influence spread into Celtic lands, its traditions and rites slowly blended with and supplanted the older Celtic traditions and rites.

In 1000 AD, the Church made November 2nd All Souls’ Day – a day to honor the dead. This was very similar to the ancient Samhain. Eventually, the holiday Samhain night became All-Hallows Eve which evolved to Halloween.

Halloweekend Celebrations

Commonly, Americans will celebrate Halloween with parties and get togethers. When Halloween falls on a Friday, the weekend or on a Monday, colloquially, this has come to be known has Halloweekend.  Check your local area for events that may be right for you and your family.

Celebrate A Safe and Happy Halloween

Above all, if you celebrate Halloween this year, make sure you do so safely. The best Halloween is a safe Halloween. Check your local weather reports and dress for the weather. When celebrating Halloweekend outdoors, use reflective gear and bring layers to keep out the cold.

As we close out Halloween Safety Month, use caution while Trick-or-Treating: paying attention to street signs and watching traffic before crossing intersections. Ensure your children trick-or-treat in areas you know and utilize the buddy system. Halloween Pedestrians: be on alert and wear lights, glowsticks, and reflective material so you are visible. Drivers: watch for pedestrians, use extra caution and slow down.

Remember these basics for a safer Halloweekend:

• NEVER drink and drive;
• At parties or any sort of get together, observe and practice fire safety;
• Keep a close eye on young children at all times;
• Check treats and candy before eating – throw away anything damaged, opened, or questionable.

Happy Halloween

Johnson Law would like to extend to you a Safe and Happy Halloweekend. Whether driving, walking, attending a celebration event, or staying home, Johnson Law asks Alaskans to be safe this Halloween.

Johnson Law has been serving Alaska injury victims for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Info Source: History and Wikipedia

Image Source: Your Alaska Link