Halloween: Origins and Traditions

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

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Halloween 2024

When Is Halloween 2024? Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31. Halloween 2024 will take place on Thursday, October 31. Ancient History 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 […]

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.”

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.

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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History of Witches

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

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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Vampire History

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

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Trick or Treating’s Tricky History

Trick or treating has become a tradition of innocent Halloween fun, but in a time before kids were going door to door, they were causing mayhem instead.

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