Halloween, or Halloween, as it is known in Brazil, is a strong cultural tradition in the United States, but arose among the Celts (the region in what is now Ireland) to about 2500 years. The name "Halloween" is a contraction of the term "All hallow 's eve," which means "eve of all saints" in Old English.
Since its origin, Halloween is celebrated on October 31, which marks the Samhain (the Celtic New Year), the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere, and is still the eve of All Saints.
It is not known exactly what were the goals of the Celts scary objects to use at home that day, or because they wore macabre fantasies. The Celts left no written records, and its history and traditions were passed orally from generation to generation.
One theory about this tradition is that the Celts believed that on this day, the spirits of the dead are raised, and go in search of the living, who would take the bodies. Decor and scary costumes would be used as a way to defend themselves. The phrase "trick or treating" (trick or treat, in English) also has its origins in the Celtic tradition as well as the use of the apple in several ways during Halloween (cut in half, the inside of the apple presents the design of a pentagram ) and hollow lighted pumpkins (for the Celts, hollow turnips).
In the Middle Ages, the tradition was cause for prosecution and conviction (the fire) by the Church. Was at the time of the Inquisition that the name "Halloween" was adopted, and that the Church created All Souls' Day (November 2).
Halloween was introduced in the United States by Irish immigrants in 1840 The links to Celtic tradition, and even religiosity inculcated by the Church have been lost over the years. Today, Halloween is more a tradition of commercial nature. On October 31 the kids leave for the costumed street, knocking on the door of the house, and saying the traditional phrase "trick or treating" to win candy. Among adults, it is common to decorate the houses and exchange gifts.
Halloween was broadcast around the world by American cinema. In Brazil, beyond television, language schools introduced the party among children and youth. The introduction of a party that has nothing to do with the rich Brazilian culture was a source of protests, which led the government to create, in 2005, the Saci Day, celebrated on the same day as Halloween.