Halloween falls on 31 October and is best known for costumes, pumpkins and trick-or-treating. It is widely celebrated in the United States, Canada, the UK and Ireland, and increasingly in other countries through films and social media. This guide explains Halloween history and its main traditions, with a live countdown on our Days Until Halloween page.
Celtic roots: Samhain
More than 2,000 years ago, Celtic peoples in Ireland, Scotland and parts of Europe marked Samhain at the end of the harvest and the start of winter. They believed that on this night the boundary between the living and the dead became thin. Bonfires were lit and people wore disguises.
All Hallows’ Eve
Later, Christian churches set 1 November as All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day). The evening before became All Hallows’ Eve, shortened over time to “Halloween”. Many older customs blended with the new observance.
Jack-o’-lanterns
In Ireland and Scotland people carved faces into turnips. Irish immigrants in North America found pumpkins larger and easier to carve, and the pumpkin jack-o’-lantern became the symbol of Halloween.
Trick-or-treating
Going door to door in costume for treats developed from older customs such as “souling” and “guising”. It became widespread in the United States in the mid-20th century.
Timeline
| Period | Development |
|---|---|
| Ancient Celtic era | Samhain festival |
| 8th–9th century | 1 November set as All Saints’ Day |
| 19th century | Irish and Scottish immigrants bring customs to America |
| 20th century | Trick-or-treating and costume parties become popular |
Halloween today
Today Halloween is a large commercial event in the US, with spending on costumes, sweets and decorations running into billions of dollars. Theme parks, schools and communities hold events.
Halloween around the world
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (1–2 November) is a separate festival honouring ancestors. In Pakistan, Halloween is mostly seen in some international schools, cafes and social media trends, rather than as a public celebration.
Related countdowns
After Halloween come Thanksgiving and Black Friday in the US; see Days Until Thanksgiving. To create your own event countdown, try the Make Your Own Countdown. For party planning, read Halloween party planning on a budget.
Frequently asked questions
When is Halloween?
On 31 October every year.
Where does Halloween come from?
From the Celtic festival of Samhain, later blended with All Hallows’ Eve.
Why are pumpkins used?
Irish immigrants in America replaced carved turnips with larger pumpkins.