Table of Contents
Introduction & Top Questions
References & Edit History
Quick Facts & Related Topics
For Students
Read Next
History & Society
Halloween
Category:
History & Society
- Contraction of:
- All Hallows’ Eve
- Related Topics:
- All Saints’ Day
- All Souls’ Day
- Samhain
- jack-o’-lantern
- October
Recent News
Jan. 21, 2024, 5:38 AM ET (CBS)
Seoul police chief indicted over 2022 Halloween crush that killed more than 150 people
Jan. 19, 2024, 11:56 PM ET (VOA News)
Seoul Police Chief Charged in Deadly Halloween Crush
Jan. 5, 2024, 5:27 PM ET (AP)
Stock market today: Wall Street shaves off some losses to close its worst week in the last 10
Top Questions
What is Halloween?
When is Halloween?
Where did Halloween come from?
How is Halloween celebrated?
How did Halloween become popular in the United States?
Halloween, a holiday observed on October 31 and noted for its pagan and religious roots and secular traditions. In much of Europe and most of North America, observance of Halloween is largely nonreligious, celebrated with parties, spooky costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkin carvings, and the giving of candy. But the holiday also marks the beginning of Allhallotide, a three-day Christian triduum dedicated to remembering the dead that begins with Halloween (October 31) and is followed by All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). Halloween had its origins in the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain ...(100 of 640 words)