The History of Halloween

Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day to honor all saints and martyrs. All Saints’ Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve (and later Halloween).

Halloween’s origins date back 2,000 years ago to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts lived in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.

Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.

There are opportunities to celebrate Halloween all-over Seattle. Below are events you can participate in to enjoy and express yourself on Hallow’s eve. Don’t forget your costume!


DAYBREAKER Seattle Morning Masquerade

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Start your Halloween celebrations early with the Daybreaker SEA crew. Join them for a morning filled with mystique, masks and mischief! Begin with a yoga stretch and stay for the dance party.

When: October 26, 2016 from 6AM-9AM

Where: Foundation Nightclub, Seattle

Cost: $30 for Yoga + Dance and only $20 for Dance. Get your tickets here.


Halloween Beer + Yoga at Populuxe

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Just Add Yoga is partnering with Popluxe brewery to host a Halloween yoga and beer event. The evening begins with an hour-long, all levels Yoga practice. Come dressed in your most creative, fun, yoga approved costume, there will be a pretty sweet prize for the crowd favorite! Enjoy a pint of your favorite Populuxe brew afterwards!

When: October 27, 2016 from 6:30PM-8:30PM

Where: Popluxe Brewery in Ballard, Wash.

Cost: $25 – Get your tickets here.


Flow in the Dark Halloween Yoga with Kevin Ng

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When: October 28, 2016 from 8PM-9PM

Where: Get Zen Hot Yoga, Bellevue, Wash.

Cost: $20


Halloween Slow Flow & Party at Yoga for Life

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Join us for a lava lamp grooves Spooky Slow Flow Halloween practice accessible for all levels with many Bikram friendly poses! Costume friendly temperature so bring your broom sticks and pitch forks. Prepare to “Caw, Caw” in your crow and “Meooooow” in your angry cat poses! Party afterwards to benefit Yoga Behind Bars with dancing in the studio. Slow flow 5:45 to 6:45 pm at normal class pricing.

When: October 29, 2016 from 5:45PM-9PM

Where: Yoga for Life, Shoreline, Wash.

Cost: $10 – Get your tickets here.


Halloween Yoga Trance Dance at Kula Movement

halloween-yoga-trance-dance-kula-movement-cosetta-romaniCome flow with Cosetta Romani at Kula Movement in Ballard, Wash. Trance Dance will allow you to fully express yourself on your mat. Wear a mask or come as you are.

When: October 29, 2016 from 7PM-9PM

Where: Kula Movement in Ballard, Wash.

Cost: $20 or $25 at the door. Get your tickets here.


OmCulture’s Special Halloween for OmTots

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Bring your whole family for a morning of fun at the OmCulture play gym! Kids are encouraged to dress up and participate in the Halloween parade. Light snacks, coffee and candy will be served. You won’t want to miss it!

When: October 29, 2016 from 10AM-1PM

Where: OmCulture, Wallingford Studio

Cost: Included in OmTots Membership. Get your tickets here.


Aditi Family Costume Party & Reunion

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Reconnect with your yoga and parent friends! Bring your babies, kids, the whole family and a snack to share with others.

When: October 29, 2016 from 1PM-3PM

Where: Aditi Yoga & Bodywork Studio, Fremont, Wash.

Cost: Please call to inquire.


OmCulture Halloween Dance

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OmCulture is hosting their annual Halloween Dance Party. Enjoy an evening of dance, music, and community during this special Halloween event.

When: October 29, 2016 from 7:30PM-11:30PM

Where: OmCulture

Cost: $20 or $25 at the door. Get your tickets here.


Yoga in the Vineyard with Jackie Elliott in Bainbridge

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Do some spooky asanas in the vineyard with Jackie Elliott at Bainbridge Vineyards in Bainbridge, Wash. Afterwards, enjoy some wine and company.

When: October 30, 2016 from 3PM-5PM

Where: Bainbridge Vineyards, Bainbridge, Wash.

Cost: $15 – Get your tickets here.


The Practical Magic of Tarot: A New Moon/Halloween Workshop

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Discover the practical magic of the Tarot in this unique, experiential workshop that is based more on how you experience the cards than what you learn from any book. You’ll learn to use these deeply powerful symbols to tap into your truth, identify and remove blocks in your life, and move more freely toward embracing your life purpose.

When: October 30, 2016 from 1PM-4PM

Where: Twist Yoga in Edmonds, Wash.

Cost: $35 or $45 at the door. Get your tickets here.


Spooky Glow Flow with Morgan Zion & Live DJ Jordan Goff

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Join Live Love Flow for their annual Halloween Costume Party! This year we are doing a Glow Flow featuring Morgan Zion and DJ Jordan Goff, cocktail party and our famous costume contest! Morgan and Jordan will work together to guide you through an invigorating fun black light Vinyasa Flow done to a killer soundtrack. Expect Black lights and lots of Glow sticks!

When: October 30, 2016 from 7PM-10PM

Where: Live Love Flow in Capital Hill.

Cost: $25 – Get your tickets here.

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