A tradition from Ireland
Halloweenan emblematic holiday celebrated on October 31, has its origins 2,500 years ago in Irelandin County Meath. Its name is a contraction of English All Hallows’ Evemeaning “the eve of all saints”, in reference to the Christian festival of All Saints’ Day. At the origin of this celebration, we find Samain (or Samhain), a Celtic festival marking the transition between summer and winter. This period, celebrated from October 29 to November 4, was seen as a time when the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead thinned, allowing spirits to pass through. The Celts, believing in these passages, disguised themselves to scare off unwanted spirits.
This tradition has evolved over the centuriesnotably with the arrival of Christianity and the establishment of All Saints’ Day by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century. However, the essence of Halloween, with its costumes and nighttime celebrations, remains deeply anchored in the collective imagination.
A bit of history in Yvelines: residents facing death
In the Yvelinesdeath has always been surrounded by beliefs and traditions well anchored in local folklore. Although ancestor worship is less present in France than in other cultures, the region has developed its own funeral rituals. These practices include often sumptuous ceremonies, where imposing tombs are erected and solemn processions are organized.
Some death omens are also linked to local superstitions. For example, in Mantois and Vexinseeing a magpie landing on the roof of a house was seen as a bad omen. In Yveline, a white butterfly entering a home announced an imminent death. Other signs, such as the crumbling of the Galette des Rois in the Vexinwere also interpreted as bad omens.
These beliefs and rituals recall the importance of death in daily life in the past and show how the inhabitants of Yvelines tried to understand and tame this inevitable passage (source: Customs and Folklore in Yvelines, Editions Librairie Guénégaud, 1977).
Festivities in Yvelines for Halloween 2024
Yvelines is preparing to welcome young and old for a day full of terrifying and fun events. Here is a selection of events not to be missed this year:
Zombie Run in Versailles
Immersive Escape Game in Sartrouville
Murder Party at Château de Breteuil
Pumpkin carving workshops at Ferme de Gally
Night hike in the Rambouillet Forest
- Date: October 31, 2024
- Location: Rambouillet Forest
- Explore the forest at night, by the light of lanterns, and discover local legends for a magical evening surrounded by nature.
Storytelling evening at Château de Thoiry
- Date: October 31, 2024
- Location: Château de Thoiry
- Thrill during this evening dedicated to scary tales, perfect for lovers of horror stories.
- More information: https://chateaudethoiry.fr/
Halloween in Triel-sur-Seine: the Vampire Ball
- Date: October 31, 2024
- Location: Place Philippe Prévost, Triel-sur-Seine
- A giant escape game awaits you to track down Dracula in the streets of Triel-sur-Seine, followed by a vampire ball. This day will end with outdoor horror film screenings and a costume competition. Triel-sur-Seine invites young and old to take part in this vampire festival on October 31, with activities planned from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m..
- More information: https://www.triel-sur-seine.fr/agenda/5285/1526-halloween-a-triel.htm?periode=293247
France
