Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurred on Thursday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Did you know? One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween.
Did you know? More people, especially millennials, are buying costumes for their pets. Twenty percent did so in 2018, up from 16 percent in 2017.
Did you know? One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween.
Did you know? More people, especially millennials, are buying costumes for their pets. Twenty percent did so in 2018, up from 16 percent in 2017.