Halloween: History, Traditions, and Modern Celebrations Halloween is celebrated on October 31 each year and is one of the most popular holidays in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and parts of the United Kingdom. Its origins trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"), a tradition dating back over 2,000 years. The Celts, who lived in areas that are now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated Samhain as the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which they associated with death. They believed that on this night, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred, and spirits could visit the earth. To ward off these spirits, the Celts would light large bonfires and wear costumes, often made of animal heads and skins, to protect themselves from harmful ghosts. Over time, the holiday evolved as Christianity spread through Celtic lands. The festival of Samhain merged with All Hallows’ Eve, which was the night before All Saints’ Day, a holiday to honor saints. This fusion of traditions led to what we now call Halloween. One of Halloween's most recognizable symbols is the jack-o'-lantern. This tradition is believed to have started in Ireland, where people carved faces into turnips and placed them in windows or near doors to frighten away evil spirits. When Irish immigrants arrived in North America, they found that pumpkins were more abundant and easier to carve, and so the tradition of the pumpkin jack-o'-lantern was born. Today, Halloween customs are an exciting mix of ancient rituals and modern celebrations. One of the most beloved traditions is trick-or-treating, where children dress up in costumes and go from door to door, asking for candy with the phrase, "Trick or treat!" Another popular Halloween activity is costume parties, where people of all ages dress up as various characters, from monsters to superheroes, and enjoy games, music, and haunted attractions. Haunted houses, corn mazes, and spooky hayrides have become popular ways for people to experience a thrill and celebrate Halloween. Halloween has also become a significant commercial event. Americans, for instance, spend billions of dollars each year on costumes, decorations, candy, and other Halloween-related items. The holiday is known for its creativity, with neighborhoods competing in decoration contests and cities hosting parades. Additionally, horror movies and Halloween-themed music gain popularity, helping set a spooky and exciting atmosphere. In recent years, Halloween has spread beyond its original countries and has become popular in various parts of the world, including Japan, Mexico, and Australia, where it is celebrated with local adaptations and unique cultural touches.