Halloween, celebrated on October 31, has a fascinating history rooted in ancient Celtic traditions. It all began with the festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, allowing spirits to return to the earth.
To protect themselves from these wandering spirits, the Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes, often made from animal skins. This tradition evolved over time, and when the Romans conquered Celtic lands, their festivals blended with Samhain, further shaping the holiday we now know.
The reason we celebrate Halloween on October 31 is due to the early Christian church. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved All Hallows' Day (a day to honour saints and martyrs) to November 1, making the night before, All Hallows' Eve—which eventually became Halloween.
As Irish immigrants brought their customs to the U.S. in the 19th century, Halloween became a mix of old traditions and new ones. Today, it is a fun and festive occasion, complete with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations, but its roots in ancient rituals remain at the heart of the celebration.