Halloween

Halloween or Hallowe'en, also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve, is a celebration observed in several countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.

Date: Thursday, 31 October 2019

Observances: Church services, prayer, fasting, and vigil

Origin: Samhain

Also called: Hallowe'en, Allhallowe'en, All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Eve

What is Halloween and why do we celebrate it?

Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurs on Thursday, October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.

• The history of Halloween goes all the way back to a pagan festival called Samhain.
• The word "Halloween" comes from"All Hallows' Eve" and means "hallowed evening."
• Hundreds of years ago, people dressed up as saints and went door to door, which is the origin of Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating.