Halloween – the festival that all children love! A time when kids have the chance to get free candies that are offered by their neighbors, namely “Trick or Treat.” It’s a well-known custom that is favored by every single child.

Halloween is certainly not a child’s privilege but also for adults to reminisce the good old days by gathering candies that were once their favorite when they were young. To know about Halloween’s history, we have to go far beyond our parents’ generation because the origin dates back to centuries ago, back into the days of pagan rituals; even before they have been made a part of the Church.

There has been various versions concerning the origin of its name, but no one can really be sure that their stories are right. A few suggested that it came from the Celtics who were celebrating a good harvest. What gave this festival the spookiness has to do with a myth. On this night, the dead would rise from their death and cast spells on the crops and the living people. This explains why people carve frightening profiles on pumpkins and dressed as terrifying spirits for Halloween nowadays.

When it comes to the tradition of trick-or-treating (the most enjoyable part of Halloween, really!), it is said that it has begun back in the Middle Ages. Back then, the poor would visit homes to pray for their deceased family and friends. In exchange, they would be given food.

If you think about it, we may possibly be able to see a shadow of those food in the sweet range of candies now given out to costumed children nowadays!

Occasionally, there are people who suggest new perspectives to the mystic festival that takes place during nighttime. Many believe that it came from England or Ireland. Somehow, to many Halloween-lovers, the history of the tradition isn’t what is most important.

What stays true is the fact that Halloween is loved by both adults and children. The dressing-up is definitely the most fascinating aspect. Frankenstein, vampires, Casper, zombies, you name it. They may just be the next one standing at your front door.

After all, you will be delighted to see the smiling faces of little kids under the most horrendous outfits, and be reminded of the times when you were those who had a great time living out the tradition of Halloween.

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Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article187864.html

At one time, Waterford included all the land between the Cooper River and Pennsauken Creek, from the Delaware River to the current Atlantic County boundary. Boundaries have changed and other towns have been carved from Waterford since its founding in 1694.

Berlin, Cherry Hill, Voorhees and more use to all be shown on the map as Waterford. 

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Atco is a 60 acre town within Waterford carved out in 1860 by Thomas Richards Jr and his brother Sam.  The owners of The Jackson Glass Works which was where Louden is now. It was promoted as a clean living town and invited people to come and enjoy good health.  Good Piney Air!!!

For some more about the now famous town of Atco check out our page “The Town“.