Halloween is one of those holidays that sneaks up on us every year, and in 2025, it will be celebrated on 31 October. Suddenly, streets are lined with glowing pumpkins, and children are running around in costumes, laughing and collecting candy. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we celebrate Halloween? Where did all these spooky traditions come from, and why do we still enjoy them today? The story of Halloween stretches back thousands of years, blending ancient customs, religious influences, and a little bit of fun that has endured across generations.
The origins of Halloween can be traced to the ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, which was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of northern Europe over 2,000 years ago. Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a season often associated with darkness and death. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead became thin. Spirits were thought to wander the earth, and to keep themselves safe, people lit large bonfires and wore costumes made from animal skins and heads. They hoped these disguises would protect them from being recognised by the spirits, keeping bad luck and harm away. It was a time of reflection, fear, and respect for the unknown, wrapped into one eerie festival.
When Christianity spread across Europe, it began to absorb some of the local pagan traditions. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, a day to honour saints and martyrs. The evening before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which eventually evolved into Halloween. This blending of traditions helped transform Halloween from a purely spiritual observance into a holiday that combined remembrance with celebration. People continued to recognise the idea of spirits roaming the earth, but the holiday gradually became more community-focused and playful.
One of the most recognisable Halloween traditions is trick-or-treating, which has its roots in medieval European practices. In England, children would go door-to-door on All Hallows’ Eve offering prayers for the dead in exchange for small cakes, known as “souling.” In Scotland and Ireland, the practice evolved into “guising,” where children dressed in costumes, sang songs, or recited poems in exchange for treats. When Irish immigrants brought these customs to North America in the 19th century, they mixed with other local traditions, creating the modern version of trick-or-treating that is now such a beloved part of the holiday. It is a way for communities to come together, share, and enjoy the excitement of the season.
The carved pumpkin, or jack-o’-lantern, is another iconic symbol of Halloween. The tradition comes from an Irish tale about a man named Stingy Jack, who tricked the devil and was condemned to wander the earth carrying a carved-out turnip to light his way. People began carving scary faces into turnips, beets, or potatoes to ward off spirits. When immigrants arrived in America, they discovered that pumpkins, native to the region, were larger and easier to carve. This led to the pumpkin jack-o’-lantern we are familiar with today, glowing on doorsteps and creating that instantly recognisable spooky atmosphere.
Over time, Halloween has transformed into a celebration that balances the eerie with the entertaining. Today, it is less about fear and more about creativity, imagination, and community fun. People decorate their homes with ghosts, skeletons, and cobwebs. Children and adults alike dress up in costumes, ranging from terrifying to humorous. Parties and haunted houses provide thrills, while parades and festivals celebrate the holiday’s long history. Even globally, variations of Halloween exist, like Mexico’s Day of the Dead, where families honour deceased loved ones with colourful altars and offerings. While the customs differ, the connection to remembering those who have passed remains central.
So, why is Halloween celebrated? At its heart, it is a way to connect with history, to acknowledge the unknown, and to enjoy a night of creativity and fun. It blends ancient rituals with modern entertainment, allowing people of all ages to experience the thrill of pretending, celebrating, and sharing treats. It reminds us that even the scariest traditions can be transformed into moments of joy and community.
As we carve pumpkins, don costumes, and hand out candy, we are participating in a holiday that has survived centuries. Halloween continues to captivate people around the world because it balances fear and fun, past and present. Understanding why Halloween is celebrated gives us a richer appreciation for the customs we enjoy today. It is not just about ghosts and goblins; it is about celebrating life, community, and imagination in a way that has endured for generation
