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Halloween is a holiday whose roots go back 2,000 years to a Celtic tradition called Samhain. It was a festival that celebrated the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. It was traditionally held on the nightfall of October 31st.

It was also a day when the people honored their ancestors. During this time, people believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was very thin, allowing both kind and evil spirits to wander the earth.

While attending the harvest festival, people wore costumes to disguise themselves so that they wouldn’t be pranked or hurt by evil spirits. They dressed as animals, monsters, or the dead. This was thought to confuse spirits by making it unclear who was living and who was dead. At the festivals, they also lit large bonfires. These fires were thought to keep away evil spirits and were also a symbol of warmth and light as the days became colder and shorter.

Samhain also happened to be on the same day as a different religious holiday called “All Hallows’ Eve.”  The traditions became mixed and today it is known as Halloween.”

The first Halloween celebrations in America began in the 1800s when Irish immigrants brought their traditions to the United States.

Whether you're young or old, Halloween is a time to have fun, be creative, and maybe experience a few friendly scares!