Halloween

Halloween is synonymous with pumpkins, Jack-o'-lanterns, goblins, ghouls, black cats, trick-or-treat, bonfires and candy. Some of the most memorable pictures are taken on this day when people dress up in the most whimsical clothes and become stars of their favorite stories for one night – the night of Oct 31 st.

The history of Halloween goes back more than 2,000 years. The Celtic people, who lived in the area that is present day Ireland, UK and Northern France celebrated Nov 1st as a holiday called 'Samhain'. This day marked the end of summer and start of cold and dark time in that region. The Celts believed that on the night before Samhain, the line between living and the dead was blurred and allowed the ghosts and spirits to intermingle with the living. There was also a belief that all those who had died the previous year, came back on this night to possess the living bodies for the next year. People therefore dressed up as demons and ghosts on this night to scare the evil spirits away. By A.D 43, Romans had conquered most of the Celtic territory and gradually assimilated some of their traditions. During this time, two Roman autumn festivals were combined with Samhain and a more modern festival of 'Halloween' was born.

Millions of European immigrants came to the United States in the late 1800's and brought with them the tradition of Halloween. The way Halloween is celebrated has evolved from the time it first came to America. Today, Halloween is the third largest party occasion in America next to Christmas and New Year's Eve. Parades, masquerade parties and other boisterous public celebrations take place on this day.

People not only wear scary costumes but also humorous outfits inspired by popular culture. Schools organize various activities like dances, games and poetry/story writing for children. Newspapers and magazines are filled with Halloween trivia – funny jokes, scary stories and messages. In addition to all the fun and frolic, a number of Halloween charity fundraisers are also held around this time.

In short, no matter what the age, Halloween is a day of celebration for everyone.