Halloween. The most magical night of the year. As darkness settles, the excitement is palpable as children don their costumes and head out into the festivities armed with candy pails and pillowcases. They return home with light hearts and heavy feet – and even heavier candy hauls. Despite its status as one of America’s most beloved holidays, most people remain in the dark about its intricate history. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and light a candle, it’s time to dive into the origins of Halloween!

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. 2,000 years ago, the Celts celebrated their new year on the 31st of October, marking the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter. On this day, they believed that the boundary between the living and dead became blurred, allowing the spirits of the deceased to return to earth. To protect themselves, they built bonfires, wore costumes, and made sacrifices. In the following centuries, the Catholic Church established All Saints’ Day on November 1st and All Souls’ Day on the 2nd, renaming Samhain All-Hallow’s Eve. Over time, the three celebrations merged together to become the Halloween we know and love.

“Souling” was a medieval practice in which the poor went door-to-door on All Souls’ Day, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food, particularly pastries called “soul cakes”. In Scotland and Ireland, a similar tradition known as “Guising” involved children dressing up and performing a “trick” before receiving a “treat” – usually fruit, nuts, or coins. When Irish immigrants brought their customs to America, this tradition evolved into the one that remains in practice today. Halloween tradition also draws from the annual British celebration of Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night.

Modern day celebrations of Halloween in America have since evolved greatly. Even in recent years, the holiday has been transformed into an increasingly commercialized event. According to a long-time Maple Valley resident and participant, “You just don’t see kids wearing the costumes their moms sewed for them anymore. It’s like every year people try to outdo each other!” Compared to past generations, everything is significantly more elaborate. People opt for store-bought decor rather than handmade, and makeshift costumes have been replaced with mass-produced alternatives. If you’re interested in reviving this once standard tradition, Jillian Waffle-Osborn, the fashion design teacher at Tahoma High School, has just the tip for you: “Be creative and enjoy it! Most of us have everything we need at home already – don’t worry about doing anything too crazy and just be yourself!”