Halloween: A Brief History and Worldwide Practices

​“Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2022 will occur on Monday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.” [From History.com. To read more, click on the link below]
 
Halloween is said to be the second largest commercial holiday in the United States. What’s first? Only Christmas. According to History.com, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween. But, did you know? The United States is not the only place where Halloween, or something like it, is celebrated.
 
To read more about the history of Halloween and how it is typically celebrated in the United States, click HERE
 
To read more about how other countries celebrate Halloween, or practice similar customs, click HERE.

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