Why is Ireland the best place to be during Halloween?
If you asked people, “What has Ireland given the world?” the most likely answers will be Guinness, St. Patrick’s Day & U2. What you might not know is that Ireland is mainly responsible for Halloween!
What is Halloween?
The word ‘Halloween’ means All Hallow’s Eve, which takes place on the 31st of October every year. It originates from the Celtic pagan festivals of old and celebrates all those who have died.
Ireland plays a significant role in Halloween. Tucked away in a field outside Tulsk Town in Co. Roscommon is Rathcrogan. From as far back as Neolithic times, Rathcrogan was called Cruachan, which is said to be the traditional capital of Connachta. The modern-day province of Connaught in the West of Ireland takes its name from it. If one was tempted to take a walk one fine evening north of Tulsk, there lies Oweynagat or, as it is, better known as “Ireland’s Gate to Hell”. It’s called so because it is believed to be a gate to the “Otherworld”. Many historians and folklorists consider it the very beginning of what we call Halloween today.
Oweynagat is a cave accessed through a blink, or you’ll miss its hole in the ground. It is said that this cave is home to several destructive creatures. On the night of the 31st of October, all the lost souls come up through its tunnel to the world of the living. Their main aim for this very night was to cause mischief and mayhem. A parade of supernatural ghosts, fairies, goblins, ghouls and many other spectres would roam around the Irish countryside. The living would not dare be caught outside their homes if they were taken back to the Otherworld by the departed souls. Those living who were brave enough to venture outside the four walls of their cottages would disguise themselves like ghosts and ghouls. This false appearance would grant them safe passage to their destination. From this comes the modern tradition of the Halloween costume.
Trick or Treat?
©Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com
“Trick or treat” is more elusive in its origins, but it was a practice first recorded in Ireland as far back as the 16th century. Trick or treat consists of children calling on the doorsteps of their neighbours. Each child would be dressed in ghostly costumes and greet their neighbours with the cry, “Trick or treat!”. The treat referred to something sweet given to the children by the neighbours. On the other hand, the trick would result from mischief perpetrated on the house if the neighbours didn’t comply with their demands.
For centuries, Halloween or Samhain remained an Irish tradition, but when the Great Famine occurred (1845-51), Irish immigrants brought the custom to America. In the 20th Century, candy companies saw the potential for profits with Trick or Treating. The imaginations of costume companies were fuelled by the Hollywood output of B-list Horror and sci-fiction movies. Halloween night became a colourful spectacle of familiar horror creatures such as Frankenstein, ghosts and the Mummy.
To this day, Halloween plays a pivotal role in Irish society. The games may have changed, and the costumes may have become more inventive, but the spirit remains the same.
Do you like Halloween? Fill out the following form for more details on how to come to Ireland to enjoy your next Halloween!
https://forms.monday.com/forms/8c31a12bce95966bb7d63b56f1b2df2b?r=use1
