The word "holiday" itself causes a pleasant feeling: an idle, empty day, in other words, free from work. We know a huge number of such celebrations. Many are happy to celebrate. Each holiday has its own history and traditions, some have appeared in our life recently or, in any case, we are used to think so. Today we will talk about just that.
Date of Celebration and History
So what is a Halloween holiday? When is it celebrated? Halloween is rooted in the distant past. For over two thousand years, humanity has been celebrating it. Most of the holidays of our ancestors were associated with nature, the sun and the change of seasons played a huge role in human life. It is believed that the holiday itself and traditions, how to celebrate Halloween, were presented to mankind by the ancient Celts, who on October 31 celebrated the end of the harvest. And on the night of November 1 - the transition from daylight to dark, the lord for this period was the god Samhane, the patron of the dead and the master of the other world.
In order to appease the powerful god, various rituals and sacrifices were conducted, the priests made a sacred fire, the flame of which was called to protect the tribe until the advent of light. People sorted the coals from the fire around their homes and kindled their hearth from them - now he protected his family and home from misfortunes. It was believed that on a witching night, spirits fall from the world of the dead into our world and can harm the living. To avoid such a misfortune, all the doors and windows of the house were closed, people put on terrible clothes and painted their faces, and on the doorstep of the house they left delicacies as a redemption from spirits and other evil spirits.
In Russia
When is Halloween celebrated in Russia? The ancient Slavs had their own holiday, quite similar to Halloween, it was called Veles night. Celebrated on the night of October 31 to November 1, as, in fact, is noted to this day. In the same way as the Celts, the ancient Slavs marked the transition from daylight to dark, but, unlike Samhain, who until the spring took the sun god Mac Alla captive, the Slavic Belobog simply transferred the Colo of the year, in modern terms, to winter year Chernobogu.
Difference
Another difference is the attitude to the spirits: the Slavs did not lock the doors, but, on the contrary, invited the spirits of the deceased relatives to visit their home. They prepared a treat for them and asked for help to the family. And so that evil spirits did not get along with the good in the home, a fire was lit from the sacred fire around which round dances, sang and danced. Jumping over a fire and walking on coals should have been cleansed of filth, and the round dance symbolized the movement of the sun and the hope of his speedy return. The holiday was very cheerful, and, of course, no one was locked in the houses, therefore, how to celebrate Halloween, everyone can choose for himself.
Current traditions
The modern Halloween celebration traditions are a mixture of a pagan holiday, Christian All Saints Day and folk art in the form of a legend about Stingy Jack, who is also called Jack Lantern (he managed to deceive the devil three times). Thanks to his tricks, he took the word from the owner of hell that he would not take him, but since the sly was not a righteous man, Jack also did not end up in heaven. And now he walks between heaven and hell with a candle in his hands, and so that it does not go out, he hides it in a carved pumpkin. Over time, a pumpkin carved like a funny face with a burning candle inside became a symbol of triumph, so many people cannot imagine how to celebrate Halloween without such a striking attribute. Today, Jack Lantern is the main character of the holiday, and scary clothes for scaring away spirits have turned into carnival costumes. Sacrificial treats now look like goodies that children, dressed as Halloween costumes, enjoy receiving from adults after the ultimatum requirement: "Sweets or life."
Celebrate at home
How to celebrate Halloween at home? As mentioned above, now Halloween is more like a masquerade with characters (sorcerers, witches, vampires, angels and demons) that are characteristic of this holiday. Therefore, a party with friends dressed in the costumes of such heroes will turn out to be very fun, for example, the owners of the house can invite guests to the coven with a drink of a magic potion from a huge cauldron. Punch is very suitable as a witch's soup, and funny contests will completely pass for witchcraft rituals.
Many daredevils, thinking about how to celebrate Halloween at home, recall scenes from the work of Bulgakov. After that, they organize a real ball, the master of which becomes himself Messir Woland. Children no less than adults enjoy this old and a bit strange holiday. Characters from the Addams family, their habits and home decoration will be an excellent scenario for holding a children's Halloween party. The main thing is not to forget about Jack-lantern, carving faces from pumpkins for kids is a special delight.
Celebrate fun in Moscow
Where to celebrate Halloween in Moscow? Various clubs, cafes and bars invite to the holiday. They promise an unforgettable program and fun. Everyone tries to arouse delight and scare at the same time: creepy, colorful scenery and the theater of the absurd completely immerse visitors in a world of chaos, horror and mysticism, which is always interesting to become a part of, especially if the costume matches. The dark world will gladly accept its inhabitants, and a free drink will be a bonus. Therefore, before wondering where to celebrate Halloween in Moscow, get a costume - and the cordiality of supernatural powers is provided.
Merry "evil spirits" are always glad to accept:
- a network of bars and nightclubs ShishasBar;
- Cafe "Inside Sea";
- Space Moscow Club ;
- Tuning Hall Club;
- club "Theater";
- Club Moscow";
- club "16 tons";
- Rooklyn Club;
- "Head Club";
- KazanBar;
- Veritas Club.
Conclusion
Centuries have passed, the sacred component of the holiday has gone. Panic horror before the winter gave way to the expectation of New Year's festivities and adventures, and the fear of evil spirits turned into masquerade fun, holiday traditions changed, and the question "How to celebrate Halloween?" now there is only one answer: "Fun!"