New and well-established businesses often struggle to tell their story. The story of who they are, where they have come from, what they do and how they can help their customers. Of course, businesses know what they do and how they can help, but how do they convey this message to their potential customers without sounding dull and repetitive?
It is not a simple task, but it’s an important part of every business-You want your story to be told in a way that connects with your customers and partners. At Platinum Brand Communications that is what we help organisations do. We provide you with the tools and guidance to create and build YOUR STORY. But what stories have we told, how have Platinum Brand Communications communicated with our clients and partners?
We do this through a method of connecting to a wider audience, by means of a shared connection. Given the time of year it is, we have decided to tell you a story all about Halloween. Did you know it originated in Ireland as a pagan celebration? Many do not.
The ancient Celtic people of Ireland were pagan people who believed in many gods and traditions. One of these traditions was the warding off of spirits at the close of summer and the beginning of long dark winters. This Celtic festival was known as Samhain and involved the burning of bonfires and dressing up in costumes to ward off ghosts and ask for a fruitful new year.
As with many Pagan rituals and festivals, these important dates were incorporated into modern religions and calendars. The 1st of November would later be declared All Saint’s Day. Due to this many of the rituals became intertwined with modern religious festivals.
The Celts lived over 2,000 years ago in Ireland, the UK and Northern France. In their system, the beginning of winter marked the new year and therefore celebrations were held around the 31st of October. It was also a time when Celts believed spirits returned to earth as we entered the winter period.
This ritualist period was known as Samhain and consisted of bonfire burnings, animal sacrifices and the wearing of costumes made from animal skins in an attempt to ward off spirits and gain better weather conditions for the upcoming year.
With the conquering of Celtic lands by the Romans, a celebration of the dead became intertwined and celebrated around the same time of year. This was later changed again with the onset of the Holy Roman Empire.
The 1st of November was chosen as a day to celebrate the saints and martyrs of the church, those solidifying the day as an important period for all. Within this many traditions and rituals remained such as bonfires burning and the wearing of costumes.
As with many other important dates in older religions, Christianity attempted to supplant older traditions with more modern beliefs.
Halloween slowly became a popular celebration worldwide with the immigration of millions of Irish people. A noticeable change took place within the United States, where a very American spin was changing the celebrations and festivities. Rather than remaining a sombre affair, the celebrations became more festive and cheerful.
With this change also came new traditions such as trick or treating, pulling pranks, while others remained such as bonfire burning and dressing up in costume. The continued commercialisation of Halloween and its popularity in many forms of media now mean Halloween is more associated with candy and scary movies than it is with traditional religious values, though it is still very important in many areas.
So, there you have it, a brief history of the importance of Halloween to Celtic culture, its combination with other traditions, religions and cultures and its rapid spread and change in what was once the new world.
Just as the history and culture of Halloween has changed over the years, so to can the story of your business. Though of course not as dramatic, it's important to note and record the history, culture and changes of your company.
Should you wish to find your voice and tell your story in a way that excites and entices customers and business partners, then get in touch with Platinum Brand Communications today. We have the experience, knowledge and know-how to convey your messaging and storytelling effectively.
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