Halloween is a tradition celebrated mainly on October 31, rooted in ancient Celtic harvest festivals and later adapted in various countries, especially the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and parts of Europe. It combines elements of costume-wearing, trick-or-treating, and autumnal decorations, with symbols like jack-o'-lanterns, ghosts, witches, skeletons, and bats. The modern observance emphasizes fun for children and spooky entertainment for families, though its origins lie in ancient rituals marking the boundary between the living and the dead. Key points:

• Origins: Halloween derives from ancient Celtic practices, notably Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter, a time when the veil between worlds was thought to be thin. People lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off roaming spirits [Halloween has origins in early Celtic traditions associated with Samhain](javascript:void(0)).
• Evolution: The contemporary version of Halloween as a largely costume-based, candy-giving celebration emerged in North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries and spread to other regions over the following decades [The modern Halloween style developed in the United States and later spread internationally](javascript:void(0)).
• Modern customs: Children dress up in costumes, go door-to-door asking for treats with phrases like “trick or treat,” and households decorate with pumpkins, skulls, and other spooky imagery. The jack-o'-lantern is a central symbol, traditionally carved from a pumpkin and illuminated with a candle [Modern customs include trick-or-treating and jack-o'-lanterns](javascript:void(0)).
• Observance today: While the date remains October 31, Halloween is celebrated with varying intensity around the world, from full-scale public festivities to more low-key family activities. Some regions emphasize cultural or theatrical aspects, while others focus on children’s activities and community events [Halloween is celebrated with different intensities worldwide](javascript:void(0)).