3 Ways to Celebrate Halloween

Halloween's origins trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter. It was believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred on this night, allowing spirits to roam freely.

From pumpkin carving to trick-or-treating, there are many ways to celebrate the holiday. Let's look at three ways to get in the Halloween spirit this year.

The tradition of carving pumpkins, known as jack-o'-lanterns, has roots in Irish folklore. It is said to have originated from the tale of Stingy Jack, a trickster who outsmarted the devil but ended up condemned to roam the earth with only a burning coal to light his way.

Jack-o'-lanterns were originally carved from turnips and potatoes. When Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, the pumpkin's shape and abundance made it a perfect fit for the Halloween tradition.

The tradition of dressing up is also rooted in the Celtic festival of Samhain, when it was believed that wandering spirits would cause mischief on Halloween. People would often play pranks while hiding behind their costumes so they could blend in with the spirits.

Dressing up also became linked to trick-or-treating from mumming, a form of folk theater. This involved masked performers who would go door-to-door performing songs, dances, and plays, often incorporating elements of storytelling and satire.

Trick-or-treating is also a playful reminder of the ancient Celtic belief that spirits roamed freely on Halloween. People would go door-to-door, exchanging treats for good fortune. Today, it has become a fun and festive way for children to celebrate the holiday.

One treat often associated with Halloween are apples. Historically, they were used in rituals and offerings to the spirits. During the early 20th century, the candy apple became popular for its hard caramel coating. As traditions evolved, apple bobbing also became a popular game.