Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year, filled with costumes, sweets, pumpkins and spooky stories.
But behind the modern celebrations are centuries of fascinating traditions and surprising history.
Here are 5 things you may not know about Halloween.
1. Halloween is more than 2,000 years old
The origins of Halloween can be traced back more than 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Celebrated at the end of October, Samhain marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter.
2. Pumpkins weren’t always used for lanterns
The tradition of carving lanterns began with turnips and other root vegetables, rather than pumpkins. In Ireland and Scotland, people carved frightening faces into vegetables and placed candles inside them. When the tradition reached North America, pumpkins became the popular choice because they were larger and much easier to carve.
3. “Trick or treat” has a long history
The tradition of going from house to house asking for treats has roots in several older customs. In Britain and Ireland, children and adults would sometimes go “souling”, visiting homes and offering prayers or songs in exchange for food. Over time, these traditions evolved into the trick-or-treating we know today.
4. Black cats became linked with Halloween for a reason
Black cats have long been associated with superstition and magic. In parts of Europe, they were sometimes believed to be connected with witches.
5. Halloween wasn’t always about sweets
Long ago, Halloween was a time for telling stories, remembering the dead and protecting yourself from evil spirits.
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