Halloween is without doubt one of our strangest celebrations. It is not associated with any particular religion and originated many hundreds of years ago. Many people believe its origin is pagan or has roots in Celtic traditions, or is even related to early harvest festivals. Others believe that it marks the day when dead souls revisited Earth.

However, the name ‘Halloween’ has distinct Christian origins. In its efforts to stop what were perceived at the time as non-Christian celebrations, the Roman Catholic Church incorporated the festival into the Christian calendar.
All Saints’ Day (All Hallow's Day) was declared on 1 November 731 AD. Therefore, October 31 became All Hallow's Eve. This, in time, was shortened to Halloween, and has been celebrated ever since.

Certain traditions – such as pumpkins – have been imported from the USA. Our earliest version of the jack-o’-lantern was created using the humble turnip!

Some suggest that Trick or Treating is linked to Celtic folklore. Yet others maintain that its foundations lay as a means to control young people’s Halloween night pranks.

Whatever its roots, the tradition is still celebrated in this country today, with the
older members of our communities having just as much fun as the children! Parties
are now commonplace at this time of the year, with people readily getting into the ‘spirit’ of things.

As well as Trick or Treating, activities involved in this celebration include apple bobbing and pumpkin-carving, along with other fun party games.

However you choose to celebrate this once-a-year festival, we hope you have a
fun time!