Halloween, celebrated on October 31st every year, has a rich and complex history that spans over 2,000 years. The festival originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
The Celts believed that on Samhain night, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and spirits of the deceased returned to the world of the living. They would wear costumes and masks to ward off any malevolent entities and leave food offerings for their ancestors.
Over time, the traditions and practices associated with Samhain evolved and were influenced by Christianity. The early Christian church attempted to eliminate the pagan festival by introducing All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
However, the popularity of Halloween continued to grow, and it eventually became a secular celebration focused on costumes, trick-or-treating, and other festive activities.
Despite its lighthearted and playful nature, Halloween has also been associated with darker themes such as death, the supernatural, and the occult. This is reflected in the popularity of horror movies, haunted houses, and other spooky attractions.
The festival's connection to the afterlife and the supernatural has also led to a fascination with ghost stories, urban legends, and paranormal activities.