Halloween

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Halloween originated in the 8th century - occurring the night before All Hallows Day. This was a special feast day observed by Catholics to commemorate and celebrate the lives of Saints. However, many traditions now associated with Halloween originate from the ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain.

The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain was held on the final night of October when the borders between the living and the dead were thought to blur, and ghosts and demons would return to Earth. Samhain was also associated with a sense of dread, as it heralded the end of summer and the movement towards winter, which could produce famine and hardship.

The night was celebrated with bonfires, animal sacrifices, and dressing up in scary costumes to ward off evil spirits. It was thought that fortune-telling was more accurate because the boundaries between the living and the dead were so muddied - during this time - the druids would make predictions for the townspeople. 

The Roman influence eventually made its way to the Celts, with November the 2nd becoming known as All Souls Day, a day to honour the dead. For Catholic participants, All Saints Day - also called All Hallows Day - was celebrated on the 1st of November, honouring dead Saints.

So, Halloween comes from All Hallows Eve, which refers to the night before All Hallows Day. It was abbreviated to Hallows Eve, which eventually morphed into Halloween, which is still celebrated on the 31st of October.