Halloween History

How did the holiday originate?
Ancient Celts observed the end of summer, "Samhain," on October 31st with bonfires on hilltops to give thanks for the abundance of the past year.

Where did the name Halloween come from?
Halloween got its name from All Hallow's Eve, the night before All Saints' Day, the last day an individual could be named or sanctified a saint. All Hallow's Eve became Hallow Evening or Hallow E'en.

What's Trick-or-Treating All About?
Trick or Treating probably evolved from the ninth-century European custom of souling where early Christians begged for "soul cakes" in return for praying for the souls of the givers' relatives.

 

Further Reading

"Spirits of Halloween." Early American Life, October 2002, pages 47-49.

 

The Great Pumpkin Carve