Happy Halloween!

In modern times, the integration of Halloween into the workplace has become a way for many companies to boost team spirit, morale and test creativity! It is seen to be a way of breaking the monotony of everyday working life and to create a sense of community among employees by events such as dressing up in character costumes, enjoying spooky themed snacks and even participating in various charity fundraising activities. Even for those who work remotely, connecting online to showcase costumes and intricately carved pumpkins can allow the workplace to maintain the fun tradition. In many places, it has evolved from a simple recognition of the date to a themed and event filled day that promotes camaraderie and employee engagement. But where did it all start and why is Halloween so widely recognised and celebrated nowadays? Let's start at the beginning...

Halloween has its roots deeply embedded in the ancient and now mostly forgotten about, Celtic festival of Samhain. This festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Celebrated on the night of October 31st to November 1st, it was considered by many to be one of the most important times of the Celtic calendar, particularly in Scotland, Ireland and some parts of northern France. Samhain was a time for transition, signalling the shift from lighter and longer days to the darker and colder months.

The Celts believed that during Samhain, the veil between the physical world and the spirit world was at its thinnest, allowing the souls of the deceased to return for a while. Ancestors were honoured and bonfires were lit to ward off evil and to guide spirits back to whence they came. It was also believed that the presence of certain spirits made it easier for the Druids or Celtic priests of the time to predict future events. In some traditions, people would throw animal bones into the fires - a bone fire - eventually evolving into the word bonfire. Fires were also a sign of union within communities and a symbol of protection for the coming months.

During Samhain people would wear costumes made from animal skins, masks and various disguises to both blend in and scare away unwanted spirits. Offerings of food and drink would be left outside homes as a gesture to make peace with disgruntled spirits and to ensure a good harvest in the coming year.

The tradition of pumpkin carving stems from Celtic practices where people carved vegetables such as turnips or potatoes to make lanterns. These Jack o lanterns were believed to ward off evil spirits and the name apparently comes from an old Irish folktale about Stingy Jack who was condemned to roam the earth with only a hollowed out turnip to light his way! It was soon discovered that pumpkins are much larger and easier to carve so became the preferred choice.

For centuries, it remained a community based event, but during the last two decades especially, of the twentieth century, Halloween began to emerge, heavily influenced by the USA. Halloween grew in popularity on television and in the shops. However, it was introduced to America in the nineteenth century by immigrants and although the roots of the festival can be traced back to Samhain, Halloween as we know it today, began to take shape after these traditions were introduced throughout America. By the 1920’s and 1930’s, Halloween for the Americans was already a secular and community based day with parades, parties, pumpkin carving and tricking and treating firmly established.

With the spread of Christianity, the festival was adapted into All Saints Day and All Souls Day, falling on November 1st and November 2nd respectively. However, many of the deep traditions originating from Samhain survived and evolved over time, giving rise to the modern celebration of Halloween. By designating November 1st as All Saints Day, the Church sought to honour all saints, both known and unknown, with the evening before becoming known as All Hallows Eve and soon all three days from October 31st until November 2nd became known as Allhallowtide, a period in which to remember the dead, saints and martyrs.

Even if you do not personally celebrate Halloween, choosing to participate in lighthearted activities in a fun, relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, taking care that no one can become offended, can really enhance connections and break down barriers amongst colleagues. Happy Halloween!