Halloween, is among the world’s oldest traditions, having direct associations with pagan and religious approaches.

Although in Greece we have Halloween with parties, spooky amphitheatre, lanterns, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating, in various countries in Europe, but mainly in North America, the observance of Halloween has a religious character, as it marks the beginning of a three-day Christian period to honour the dead, called ‘Allhallotide’.

Halloween history

The origins of Halloween derive from the Celtic Samhain festival of ancient Britain and Ireland. On the day corresponding to November 1 in modern calendars, it was believed that the new year began. This date was also considered the beginning of the winter season, as cattle returned to their pastures and farmland was renewed.

During the Samhain festival, it was believed that the souls of those who had died were returning to visit their homes, while those who had died during the current year were believed to be travelling to the next world.

Some theories go further and suggest that Samhain may have been Christianized as All Saints’ Day, along with its eve, by the early Church.

Finally, other scholars say that Halloween began independently as a Christian holiday, as the All Saints Day vigil.

Although for centuries the celebration of Halloween was confined to Ireland and Scotland, in the 19th century Irish and Scottish immigrants brought the celebration of Halloween to North America, and since the late 20th century and early 21st century due to American influence the celebration of Halloween has expanded to countries unrelated to the Anglo-Saxon world.

Popular activities during Halloween include trick-or-treating, costume parties, carving pumpkins or turnips into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting underground bonfires, pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories, and watching horror or Halloween-themed movies.

For some people, Halloween has religious significance. Among other things, some people attend services and light candles at the graves of their relatives, although for others, Halloween is a holiday with no religious content. Some Christians refrain from eating meat on that day, as it is the eve of All Saints’ Day.