Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated around 2,000 years ago. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, allowing spirits to return to the earth. To ward off these spirits, people lit bonfires and wore costumes.
Over time, the Christian church incorporated this festival. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints' Day to honor saints, and the evening before became known as All Hallows' Eve, eventually shortened to Halloween. This day also became associated with remembering the dead, including the celebration of All Souls' Day on November 2.
When Celtic people migrated to America, especially during the Irish Potato Famine, they brought these traditions with them, where Halloween evolved into the modern celebration characterized by costumes, trick-or-treating, jack-o'-lanterns, and festive gatherings.
