TOK: Halloween

To many, halloween is known as a day in which everyone dresses up and participates in different games and activities, but what is halloween really about? Halloween is a holiday celebrated on October 31st, that is also known as a festival of the dead and can be related to the Celtic holiday of Samhain. The word Samhain is an irish word for "Summers End" celebrating the end of the 'lighter half" of the year being the sunny summer days and the beginning of the "darker half" of the year being the cold winter nights.


 Costumes and masks became a part of this holiday as individuals believed it was necessary to disguise yourself as a harmful spirit, therefore avoiding the harm. Originally, Halloween costumes consisted of witches, monsters, ghosts etc. However, they have extended into a wider variety of princess's, celebrities, cartoon characters etc. The name later came about in the 16th century form the words "All Hallow Even" meaning the evening before All Hallows Day, this was later shortened to "Hallowe'en" and now "Halloween". The Colour scheme of halloween - Black and Orange came from the darkness of night, and the bright orange from bonfire flames, jack-o'-lanterns and autumn leaves. 


It is interesting when you take the time to research Halloween and its purpose. From my knowledge i would say that many individuals are unaware of the importance and purpose of this holiday. Until now, i never new the reason or history of Halloween and why it is celebrated. Due to your religion and what you believe, individuals may or may not feel it necessary to celebrate this holiday as it is the celebrating of the dead which to some is unnecessary or even frowned upon. In the TOK text book, faith and religion are a huge component of one and what makes them the person they are. Therefore this holiday can allow individuals to express their faith and religious beliefs towards whether or not they believe it is acceptable to celebrate. To some, their religion is their life and therefore they stand by it no matter what. Therefore, halloween would be an unacceptable holiday as it has no main reason other then celebrating the life of the dead.