An introduction to Halloween

Halloween is a traditional holiday and celebration held annually on October 31, recognised in a number of countries including the UK, Ireland, USA and Canada. Despite having Christian and Celtic origins, Halloween is these days considered by many as a secular event.

Originating from the 16th Century, the word Halloween comes from the full expression All-Hallows-Even, meaning the eve of All Hallows' Day. It follows that Halloween is less commonly known as All Hallows' Eve and All Saints' Eve (in relation to the Christian holiday, All Saints' Day).

Halloween is celebrated through a variety of parties and activities typically involving the use of costumes with a horror theme. Traditional activities include, among others, costume parties, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving (jack-o'-lanterns), bonfires, apple bobbing, watching horror movies, and telling ghost stories.