The word Halloween originated from Catholic Church, coming from a contraction of Hallowed Eve. Celebrated of November 1, this festival is popularly known as All Saints Day, a Catholic day in honor of saints.
Earlier during the 5th century BC Ireland, summer ended on October 31. It was believed that on this day the sun is at its lowest point on the horizon. It marks the end of pleasant summer and beginning of cold winters. It was believed that spirits of dead roam about on earth for warmth and cheer whereas evil spirits and witches walked and mingled with the living in search of preys and victims. The day was called Samhain, celebrated as Celtic New Year.
Originally, this festival was celebrated on May 13, but a century later, it was changed to November 1 by Pope Gregory III. October 31 was no longer the end of summer or the last day of the year. The modern pagans and Wiccans celebrate Halloween as the New Year, the day for celebrating the eternal cycle of reincarnation. It is said that the god of pagans dies at Samhain and re-born again at Yule.
The festival further evolved into a celebration of pranks and mischief. Wandering groups perform activities of the witches in search of gifts and foods for the evening festivities.
Halloween customs was brought to the U.S. by immigrants of Great Britain and Ireland. The festival in US became popular only after large number of Irish migrated to US after 1840.
