For many of us, Halloween is best-known as the time all TV channels and radio stations
come up with their own special programs on ghost stories and other urban legends. And
there’s no more famous legend than that of the Balete Drive in Quezon City. But do you
know the origins of that story?
Origins of the White Lady
The most popular theory is that the “White Lady” was a student who was killed by taxi
driver while in his car. Another is that she was a mere passerby who was hit-and-run by
a car. A third claims that she was a resident of one of the palatial houses in the vicinity
who was constantly abused by her family.
Hallows’ Evening
Speaking of origins, do you know the origins of Halloween? Christmas is pretty
self-explanatory, as it’s already in the name. The same goes for other holidays like New
Year or National Heroes Day or Independence Day. But what’s a Halloween?
“Halloween” comes from “Hallows’ Evening”, which in turn is a reference to “All Hallows’
Day”, another name for “All Saints’ Day” in other countries. So, if there’s a Christmas
Eve and a Christmas Day, there’s also Halloween and All Saints’ Day.
Samhain
But the birth of Halloween is located further in the past. Many scholars now believe that
it is based on the ancient Celtic festival of “Samhain” which commemorates the end of
the harvest season and the start of winter. If you’re not familiar with them, the Celtics
are the native people of the country of Ireland. They believed that during Samhain, the
spirits of the departed would visit their living relatives, similar to our local beliefs about
All Souls’ Day.
Soul Cake
Speaking of local beliefs, our native tradition of “Pangangaluwa” actually has the same
origin as “trick or treat.” In the past, people in England and Ireland would go around rich
peoples’ homes asking for a dish called a “soul cake” in exchange for prayers for their
souls (hence the name.) What do they call this practice? “Souling.” Which in Filipino
translates loosely to “Pangangaluwa.”
Jack-o… Turnips?
Another popular Halloween practice that came from England and Ireland is the
“jack-o-lantern” which is believed to protect people from evil spirits. But people originally
used turnips, or “singkamas” as we know them. When people from the two countries
migrated to the U.S, they brought the tradition with them. But with pumpkins being
available, as well as softer and easier to carve, we finally got the “Jack-o-Lantern” that
we are familiar with.
rafael antonio dulce 