• Halloween history

  • Oct 30 2024
  • Length: 28 mins
  • Podcast

  • Summary

  • Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated on the evening of October 31. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. They lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off these wandering spirits.


    With the spread of Christianity, Samhain was gradually incorporated into Christian traditions. The church designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, or All Hallows’ Day, leading to the evening before becoming All Hallows’ Eve, eventually shortening to Halloween.


    In the 19th century, Halloween began to evolve in the United States, influenced by Irish and Scottish immigrants. By the early 20th century, it transformed into a community-centered holiday focused on festive gatherings, games, and trick-or-treating. Today, Halloween is celebrated with costumes, decorations, and various activities, blending its ancient customs with modern fun.


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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.