Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. In the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts and this is thought to be the origin of Halloween.
Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honour the saints, and it became known as All Saints’ Day. This incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve, and now Halloween. Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, wearing costumes, donning gruesome make-up and eating treats.
Families from Rye and Rye Harbour had fun before the rain came, knocking on the doors marked by carved pumpkins and candles welcoming them. Very excited children carried their sweet and chocolate treasures home quite content.
Image Credits: Debbie Ham , Vicky Thompson , Lucy Green , Corine Gaye .