The Village of Steveston embodies the Halloween spirit in a variety of ways including storefront displays, costumed paddle boarders and a spooky environmental display at the Cannery.
The Halloween that we celebrate originated about 2,000 years ago with the Celts and Druids of Ireland and Britain.
A lot has changed since then.
Instead of living in fear of evil, crop-destroying demons and other bad spirits, today we enjoy costume gatherings and our children visit nearby homes and ask for candy.
It took some time – centuries worth. In the 7th century, the Catholic Church created All Saints’ day, to be celebrated on Nov. 1. It was to honour the dead, a worthy idea.
Then, in the early 11th century, All Saints’ Day evolved to All Souls’ Day, which was also known as Allhallows or Hallowmas — Hallow being another word for holy.
The night before was Hallows Eve — later condensed into Halloween.
Whatever the path over the centuries, Halloween is now a roaring success in many parts of the world, with Richmond being a prime example.
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