The Meaning and Origins of Halloween Symbols

Bats

image source

Since bats are creepy nocturnal creatures, it’s not surprising that they became known as omens of bad luck or evil but there is more to the story concerning their association with Halloween. The origins of the fear of bats began with the belief that they could communicate with the spirits of the dead, making their link to Halloween seem perfectly natural. As if to confirm this theory, in ancient times when Halloween was celebrated with huge bonfires it was a guarantee that bats would make an appearance, as if drawn by supernatural forces. Actually this was a result of the many mosquitoes that would congregate around the fires, providing an easy snack for the bats who would swoop down and snatch them out of the air. In addition, there was the widely held belief that vampires and witches could transform themselves into bats. Incidentally, the vampire bat is the only mammal that feeds on blood, thus linking bats to death and sealing their fate as terrifying creatures of the night.

Witches 

image source

Witches and witchcraft go hand-in-hand with Halloween. The image of a witch in black pointed hat riding a broomstick across the night sky is branded in every child’s imagination. In ancient times it was widely believed that witches were able to see the future and to cast spells, both good and bad. This naturally made people fear and loath them. Since it was believed that supernatural powers were at their peak on Halloween night, it has caused witches to be forever associated with that time of year.

What made things worse for witches was a belief that flourished in the Middle Ages. With Halloween already considered a frightening time, people developed a belief in the existence of a cult of witches who worshiped Satan. They held meetings at certain times of the year called Witches Sabbaths, and the most important of these was on All Hallows’ Eve. It was then that the Prince of Darkness, old Satan himself would appear to his loyal followers.

Ghosts

image source

The connection of ghosts with Halloween evolved with the ancient Celts, who celebrated Samhain — the festival of the dead — on the eve of their new year which began November 1st. Their belief held that spirits of the dead could return to earth as the boundaries between the lands of the living and the dead were blurred during this time. So it seems only right that ghosts became an integral part of Halloween.

Apples 

image source

Apparently the reason for the custom of ducking, dooking or bobbing for apples — attempting to bite an apple floating in a bucket of water, or hanging from a string — was that if a person managed to get a bite from an apple they would have good fortune. For unmarried people, the first person to take a bite out of an apple was considered to be the next to marry. Also, peeling an apple and tossing the peel over your shoulder was supposed to reveal the initial of one’s future spouse.

Masks and Costumes 

image source

The custom of wearing costumes, although done in a more cheerful manner nowadays, originated with the Celts. While celebrating Samhain the Celts would wear costumes made from animal skins. This was in accordance with their belief that during this time the veil between the world of the dead and earth was at its thinnest and, ancestral spirits, or ghosts could roam freely here on earth. They hoped that the costumes would make them appear dead to avoid being harassed by these spirits.

Wearing costumes and masks for Halloween became popular here in America in the early 1900s. Stores began carrying Halloween costumes in the 1950s when trick-or-treating became popular throughout the United States.