Halloween

From tables to trumpets, spiritualists used these tools of the trade to summon the dead.

For more than a century, people visiting Gettysburg have claimed to hear phantom footsteps, ghostly drumbeats and echoes of musket fire.

Historical graves reveal corpses with iron rods through their chests, sickles across their necks and padlocks on their feet.

Explore the origins behind witch costume features—the hat, the black dress, prominent nose and green skin.

From biblical depictions of Christ casting out demons, to charismatic Christians in the '60s, to the story behind the 1973 movie, people have been attempting to expel evil for centuries.

Spooky stories featuring the supernatural were all the rage during the darkest time of the year.

The writer behind the play, which was made into a Cary Grant film, had studied the records of convicted murderer Amy Archer-Gilligan.

From pagan rituals to costumes and candy corn, discover how Halloween—and its associated traditions—has evolved through the ages.

As early as the 13th century, the Catholic Church linked cats to Satan.

What began as ceremonies practiced by the ancient Aztecs evolved into a holiday recognized far beyond the borders of Mexico.

After the Romans conquered ancient Celtic realms, pagan traditions were adopted into a holiday honoring Catholic saints.

Which famous French explorer is credited with naming them?

Officials feared Halloween celebrations could spread the virus or disrupt those who were sick or mourning.

From the 17th century onward, European and colonial homeowners stashed odd objects in their houses as added security.

Halloween's focus on horror and make believe has spawned creepy legends, ghost stories—and hoaxes.

Before we carved pumpkins, the Irish chiseled creepy faces onto turnips.

Stories of a ghostly President Lincoln wandering the corridors and rooms of the White House have persisted for more than a century.

In the post-Civil War era, when many Americans were reeling from loss, a photographer claiming to capture ghosts on film enjoyed swift business.

The classic short story is considered an example of early American folklore. But tales of headless horseman have been around since the Middle Ages.

In the early 20th century, costumes were mostly meant to be spooky. Today, they often reflect the movies we like and the politicians we hate.

'The Exorcist,' 'The Conjuring' and other horror classics were inspired by actual (although not always factual) stories.

The practice can be traced to the ancient Celts, early Roman Catholics and 17th-century British politics.

People were outraged when teenage boys vandalized towns on October 31, 1933—so they found a way to keep them inside.

From witches to zombies to creepy clowns, the season's hair-raising legends all formed from decades—to centuries—of lore.

On the Mexican holiday known as the Day of the Dead, families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.

From Marie Antoinette to Che Guevara and Neil Armstrong, the past is filled with all kinds of characters.

A key ingredient in the flavor was discovered on ancient pottery shards in Indonesia, revealing it has been around for a long, looooong time.

Violence and vandalism were once as traditional as candy and costumes.

The White House has been celebrating Halloween since the days of Eisenhower.

Not even the effects of wartime sugar rationing could stop this Halloween pastime.

From the infamous nuclear disaster zone near Chernobyl to Henry Ford’s doomed jungle paradise, learn the stories behind six of the world’s most famous vacant towns and villages.

Rumors of ghosts haunt U.S. cemeteries, hotels and even the White House.

Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Learn more about its origins, traditions, facts, scary movies and more.

Ghosts of Abigail Adams & David Burns Abigail Adams and her husband John, the second president of the United States (1797-1801), moved to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue from the former U.S. capital in Philadelphia. At the time, Washington, D.C. was still just...

Since ancient times, ghost stories—tales of spirits who return from the dead to haunt the places they left behind—have figured prominently in the folklore of many cultures around the world.

Halloween, one of the world’s oldest holidays, is celebrated in countries around the world. The United States, England and Mexico all celebrate versions of Halloween with unique traditions and activities.