This is one of the most diverse weeks of the year when it comes to holidays. I have not 11. written on any of these before. As a family, we did not participate in any of these very much.
Halloween is thought to have its roots with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating.
In the last few years, many families have chosen to take their children to community organizations fall festivals rather than neighborhood trick or treating. This trend began due to safety issues and parents had greater confidence in the accountability that was in place to make sure children stayed safe. Some families participate in both. Our family went to our church's fall festival as it was safe, well staffed, and warm (since the Midwest is often cold by Halloween.
In the last 5 years, many families affected by food allergies have joined a national movement known as the teal pumpkin. If a family wants to offer fun non food treats it let's others know by placing a teal pumpkin by its front door. I noticed my grocery store had teal pumpkins for sale this year. In years past, I have painted a pumpkin teal.
Reformation Day is a religious holiday celebrated on October 31 in remembrance of the Reformation. On 31 October 1517, Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic priest in Germany, wrote to his Arch Bishop protesting against the sale of indulgences. He enclosed in his letter a copy of his "Disputation of Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences," which became known as The 95 Thesis. This was the event which protestant churches trace their beginnings. It is celebrated among various Protestants, especially by Lutheran and Reformed churches.American churches often transfer the holiday, so that it falls on the Sunday (Reformation Sunday) on or before October 31.
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