Halloween is one of the most popular festivals in the world, celebrated every year on October 31st. But have you ever wondered why people celebrate Halloween and where its traditions come from?
Origins of Halloween
The roots of Halloween date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. During Samhain, people believed that the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. They wore costumes and lit bonfires to ward off wandering spirits. When Christianity spread through Europe, Samhain merged with All Saints’ Day and All Hallows’ Eve, eventually becoming Halloween.
Modern Halloween Traditions
Today, Halloween combines ancient customs with modern fun. Children dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating, while adults decorate homes with spooky themes and carve pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns. Communities host parties and haunted houses, embracing both the thrill and excitement of the season. Halloween remains a time for families and friends to come together for a night of scares, laughter, and sweet treats.