Gorham Ghosts

     Autumn festivals, haunted houses, hayrides, candy and loads of devilish fun bring out the child in all of us on Halloween. For the children that remember last year's Halloween, the excitement and anticipation begins with picking out a suitable costume and perhaps a traditional day of carving a pumpkin with a spooky face. Sights of Halloween and fall decorations build up to the final night of trick or treat when it's time to roam the neighborhood in search of the best assortment of candy bars and sweet treats.
     These 21st century celebrations don't begin to compare to the original Celtic holiday that dates back a few thousand years. In an area that is now made up of Ireland, the United Kingdom and parts of France, the Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st, leaving October 31st their traditional New Year’s Eve. In a time when the Celts and druids believed in the transmigration of souls, ghosts, spirits, fairies, witches and elves were out to do harm - and Halloween was the most dangerous time of year. At the time, many believed that on the night of October 31st and the beginning of the New Year a wall between the world and the afterlife was extremely thin. It was on this night that spirits could easily cross over and roam the countryside, which frightened the superstitious population. The Druids built comforting bon fires, while the Celts disguised themselves in costumes of animal skins and heads. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory IV hoped to change these Pagan rituals and established November 1st as All Saints Day. Attempting to keep all the subjects happy, a few original festivities and customs of the Celtic celebration of Samhain were incorporated. The evening before All Saints Day became All Hallows Eve, or today's Halloween.

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