All Soul's Eve

All Soul's Eve, also known as All Hallows' Eve, Halloween, or Samhain, is a yearly celebration observed on the evening of October 31. It precedes All Hallows' Day (or All Saints' Day) and marks the beginning of the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed.

The traditions of All Soul's Eve have roots in various cultures and practices. Many scholars believe it originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory IV designated November 1 as All Saints' Day, likely influencing the observance of October 31 as All Hallows' Eve.

Over time, All Soul's Eve has evolved to include activities such as trick-or-treating (where children go door-to-door in costume to collect candy), carving jack-o'-lanterns (originally made from turnips, but now primarily pumpkins), attending costume parties, decorating, telling scary stories, and visiting haunted attractions. The emphasis on costumes, ghosts, and other spooky themes reflects the festival's origins in beliefs about spirits and the afterlife. While religious observances persist for some, for many, All Soul's Eve is a secular celebration of community, creativity, and playful frights.