A Short History
The earliest recognizable traces of Halloween began as the festival of Samhain, celebrated by the Celts (the ancient people of what is now England and Ireland). November 1st was marked as the end of summer, and also when the souls of the deceased were believed to visit their homes. People would wear masks or disguises and light bonfires on hilltops to scare away evil spirits; this is how witches, goblins, and similar beings became associated with the holiday. When the Romans conquered the Celts, they added their own festivals that acknowledged the passing of the dead and Pomona, the goddess of harvest.
The celebration of Halloween was widely forbidden in the early American colonies, as most people viewed it as secular holiday. By the 1800’s, festivals celebrating the harvest had incorporated elements of Halloween. When large groups of immigrants came to the United States starting in the mid-1800’s they brought their holiday and traditions with them. Today, Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the US.
More Information on the History of Halloween