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  1. Home
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  3. Halloween

Halloween

Halloween evolved from the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain. Over the centuries, Halloween transitioned from a pagan ritual to a day of parties, costumes, jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating for kids and adults.

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A spooky Halloween scene in a graveyard with Jack-o-lanterns.

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Halloween 2023

When Is Halloween 2023? Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31. Halloween 2023 will take place on Tuesday, October 31. Ancient Origins of Halloween Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United […]

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A Samhain festival in Glastonbury.

Samhain

Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “sow-win”) is a pagan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. It is usually celebrated from October 31 to November 1 to welcome in the harvest and usher in “the dark half of the year.”

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Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

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.

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Rio Celebrates Dia De MuertosRIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 01: Revelers dance during a Day of the Dead party on November 1, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilians often mark the traditional Mexican holiday by visiting loved ones' graves and sometimes leaving offerings of food or drink. The day officially falls tomorrow in Brazil and is a national holiday. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Halloween Around the World

How Día de los Muertos Is Celebrated in Latin America  In Mexico, Latin America and Spain, All Souls’ Day, which takes place on November 2, is commemorated with a three-day celebration that begins on the evening of October 31. The celebration is designed to honor the dead who, it is believed, return to their earthly […]

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Why Black Cats Are Associated with Bad Luck

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Why Black Cats Are Associated With Halloween and Bad Luck

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

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Why Do Witches Ride Brooms? The History Behind the Legend

Why Do Witches Ride Brooms? The History Behind the Legend

From pagan fertility rituals to hallucinogenic herbs, the story of witches and brooms is a wild ride.

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6 Things You May Not Know About Pumpkins

6 Things You May Not Know About Pumpkins

Which famous French explorer is credited with naming them?

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Carved Pumpkins at a Festival

Halloween Timeline: How the Holiday Has Changed Over the Centuries

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

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History of Witches

Get the real story behind witches, their hats and why they are said to ride on brooms.

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1:09 minTV-PG

History of the Jack O’ Lantern

Steve Clark, the world’s fastest pumpkin carver, takes us through some of his more intricate carvings.

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2:39 minTV-PG

Vampire History

Vampire legends have permeated many cultures, but is there any truth to these blood-sucking, un-dead creatures?

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2:45 minTV-PG

Haunted History of Halloween

Halloween was originally called Samhain and marked the end of the harvest season for Celtic farmers.

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