October 4, 2004

Ghostly visits on Halloween have historical significance

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Ghosts, goblins, costumes and trick-or-treating all have a spiritual and historical connection with Halloween, says a European history expert at Purdue University.

"Nov. 2 is All Souls' Day on the Catholic calendar, also known as the day of the dead, when the church commemorates all of the departed," said James Farr, a professor of history. "The Christian holiday overlays a pre-Christian pagan festival of the dead, which celebrated the pagan belief that the souls of the dead would return for a meal with the family. Thus the emphasis on ghosts."

Costuming probably arose because people feared the returning ghosts on All Souls' Day and hoped to drive away the spirits by donning a fearsome disguise, Farr said. Dressing as a goblin was also thought to be a way to control demons' behavior and keep them away from the living.

Trick-or-treating also seems to be related to the day of the dead, stemming from a ninth century British custom, Farr says. The poor would beg from house to house and would be given "soulcakes" or fruit pastries. In exchange for the treat, the beggars would offer a prayer for the dead.

"The more soulcakes received, the more prayers that would be said for the dead relatives of the donors," Farr said. "This was related to the Christian idea of purgatory, a place where the dead would spend time before being admitted into heaven."

Farr points to many Catholic rituals, especially in Latin America, that continue to celebrate All Hallow's Eve (Oct. 31), All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls' Day together as an extended festival/commemoration.

CONTACT: Farr: jrfarr@purdue.edu.

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