hat’s the Western World's oldest holiday?  If you guessed Halloween, you're probably right.  In fact, Halloween dates all the way back to the fifth century B.C. With such longevity, it shouldn't be surprising that, far from the rather insignificant kiddies night it's become today, Halloween was once a matter of life and death. Literally!

Originating in Ireland, Halloween was first known as the Vigil of Samhain and was considered the last day of the growing season and, therefore, the last day of the calendar year.  The Erse (the ancient Irish) believed there were only two seasons: summer and winter.  Samhain, the Erse god of winter/darkness was said to begin his six-month reign on this chilly autumnal date.  So, in the interests of assuring that summer would return come May Day, these sun worshippers made human sacrifices on October 31st.  It was their hope that this bloodletting would give the sun the strength it needed to do half a year of battle with Samhain and return to make their crops grow once more.