Hallowe’en (sometime spelt Halloween) has been celebrated in the British Isles for thousands of years. It was originally called Saman by the native Celts (an ancient British race), and marked the end of the year according to the Celtic calendar. Because this day divided the old year from the new year the souls of the dead could come back to life for one night. In the Middle Ages, Hallowe’en became associated with the witches and devil. Around 700 A.D., Christianity began to take a strong hold in Britain. Witchcraft was denounced by the Church. The pagan festival survived and was changed to All Hallows Day on November 1st. Many people still celebrated on the traditional day, called All Hallows Eve, which is where the name Hallowe’en came from. The only protection from evil spirits was fire.
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