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- When is Halloween?
Halloween takes place every year on the evening and night of October 31st.
Celebrations often continue into the early hours of November 1st.
- What does the name Halloween mean?
Halloween is a contraction of "All Hallows Evening" or "All Hallows
Eve"; November 1st is "All Saints' Day", also known as "All Hallows".
Another version of the name is Holloween.
- What is the origin of Halloween?
The history of Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain.
This was absorbed by the Romans and later the Christians to give All Saints' Day.
- Why do we carve pumpkins at Halloween?
The traditional Halloween pumpkin head - or Jack o'Lantern -
appears to originate from Irish folklore. It is probably an example
of warding against evil spirits believed to be abroad.
- What is the origin of "Trick or Treat"?
The custom of Trick or Treat is often associated with the traditional
Christian "soul cake day". In fact it goes back to Celtic lore and
the belief that leaving little treats out could placate mischievous spirits.
Today this is usually associated with the practice of giving candy to children.
- What are the best Halloween costumes?
Halloween is the spooky night of the spirits. Most of the traditional fancy dress costumes
reflect this theme,
with people taking on the roles of either supernatural beings (witches, demons etc) or
occasionally as those who fight them (slayers, exorcists etc). However in recent years
Halloween costumes have become more varied and imaginative. For many people today
Halloween is simply an excuse to
dress up outrageously and show a side of themselves that is rarely seen.
Have fun!
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