Why Are Bats Linked To Halloween?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Bats are eternally linked to Halloween, but does anyone know why?

There are a few different theories including one that states it is because they are nocturnal, which is usually associated with death and darkness. “They engage in mysterious activities in the dark so they have been cloaked in superstition since ancient times,” said Stanford University classics scholar Adrienne Mayor.

Another theory is that it started long ago when the ancient Celtics lit large bonfires to ward off the evil spirits of the night. As the bonfires burnt into the night, the glow and warmth of the fire attracted mosquitos and other flying insects to the area. In turn, the flying insects attracted hungry bats. The dark, fast moving shapes, being the bats, embodied spirits of the returning dead to the Celtics and the symbol of the bat became embedded in the roots of Halloween.

We hope you all have a spooky Halloween and maybe even see a bat or two tonight!