October 31, 2024 – November 1, 2024

Halloween had its beginnings in an ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of the dead. The Celtic people divided the year by four major holidays, with Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween) marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on Samhain, more so than any other time of the year, the ghosts of the dead were able to mingle with the living. On that day, the souls of those who had died during the year traveled into the otherworld. People gathered to sacrifice animals, fruits, and vegetables. They lit bonfires in honor of the dead, to aid them on their journey, and to keep them away from the living. On that day all manner of beings were abroad: ghosts, fairies, and demons–all part of the dark and dread. 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.