When does Halloween take place?

October 31st

What is Halloween?

The word 'Halloween' originates from 'All Hallows Eve'. This night is November 1, and called "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"). It stems from the Catholic religion and was a celebration of saints. The American version of Halloween has it's origin in the ancient (pre-Christian) Druid fire festival called "Samhain", celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. In Scotland, the celebration was known as Hallowe'en. This Celtic celebration was thought to be an end to summer and that the "veil between the worlds" was at its thinnest, and the dead could communicate with the living.

Trick or Treat - what are its origins?

This custom comes from America in the 1930s. The custom was intended to control and displace disruptive pranks. Good children were encouraged to go door to door and receive treats from homes and shop owners, thereby keeping troublemakers away.

The Present Day

Halloween celebrations as we know them today, did not become popular in the United States until the late 1800's. In the 1840's immigrants arrived from Ireland and Scotland . bringing with them many of Halloweens traditions.