The Story Behind 'Halloween' Plus Halloween Events In Baguio City

Photo by Adolph B. Rice Studio, The Library of Virginia (wikimedia commons)

Halloween, October 31, 1959

Halloween, one of the most celebrated holidays around the world. The moment you hear about the word, one would immediately think about ‘Trick or Treat,’ costumes, parties, parades and other family-friendly activity. But when and how did this start really?

‘Halloween’ Origin

It all dates back 2,000 years ago. According to History, it originally is a Celtic festival called ‘Samhain’ celebrated on November 1. The night before Samhain, Celtics believe that the dead return as ghosts. Food and wine are left on the doorsteps of every home to keep ghosts away. Not just that, they would also wear masks to look like ghosts so that the ‘real ghosts’ would mistake them for a fellow ghost.

The Christian church then called ‘Samhain’ as All Saints Day or ‘Hallows’ in the 8th century. It then became ‘All Hallows’ and was eventually shortened to ‘Halloween.’

All Souls Day on the other hand, people during the medieval times would make soul cakes as they pray for the deceased, they prayed that there would be no plagues and basically have good health. This was called ‘souling.’ During the same era, there was something called ‘guising.’ During this time, young people would wear costumes and accept food, wine and other treats in exchange for singing, poetry or telling jokes to other people.

During the 19th century, Irish and Scottish made a remake of these traditions until it became a really big thing making it as the second most celebrated holiday after Christmas.

Halloween in Baguio City

Baguio City comes alive every time there are significant events. And since the Philippines celebrates Halloween just like any other country in the world, there are a lot of events you can go to. So if you are one of those people who can’t just sit and be a spectator during these times, here are some of the events in Baguio City that can keep you entertained.