Halloween, celebrated every year on October 31st, is a blend of ancient Celtic practices, Catholic and Roman religious rituals, and European folk traditions. Initially, it was a Celtic holiday called Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. People believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, and ghosts returned to earth. With the spread of Christianity, the day became intertwined with All Hallows' Eve, the night before All Saints' Day, a day for honoring saints. Over time, Halloween evolved into a community-centered holiday, with parades, parties, and kid-friendly activities. In modern times, Halloween is known for traditions such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, and haunted attractions. One of the most recognizable symbols of Halloween is the jack-o'-lantern, a carved pumpkin with a lit candle inside. These began as turnip lanterns used to ward off evil spirits in Ireland and Scotland, but pumpkins, native to America, became the vegetable of choice. Halloween costumes originated from the tradition of people disguising themselves to hide from malevolent spirits. Today, Halloween costumes range from classic monsters to pop culture icons, showcasing creativity and individuality. While Halloween is widely celebrated in the United States, its popularity has spread worldwide. Today, it is a celebration of community, creativity, and, of course, all things spooky.