Is Halloween only a US holiday?
Halloween, one of the world's oldest holidays, is still celebrated today in a number of countries around the globe.
In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—honors deceased loved ones and ancestors.
Related Questions
Is Halloween a US holiday?
Halloween, one of the world's oldest holidays, is still celebrated today in a number of countries around the globe. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—honors deceased loved ones and ancestors.
Is Halloween a holiday in the US?
Halloween, the Eve of All Satins' Day is not a federal or state holiday. Federal holidays are spelled out in the 1968 Uniform Holidays Bill, which grants federal employees a three-day weekend on Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day.
Is Halloween a holiday in US?
While not an official holiday, the traditional October 31 Halloween celebration is much beloved by children in the United States, for whom the day is a chance to don costumes'often depicting ghosts, goblins and other "supernatural" creatures'and to collect candy and other treats from adults.
Is the US the only country that celebrates Halloween?
As one of the world's oldest holidays, Halloween is still celebrated today in several countries around the globe, but it is in North America and Canada that it maintains its highest level of popularity. Countries celebrate Halloween: Austria. Belgium.
Is Halloween an American holiday only?
In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—honors deceased loved ones and ancestors. In countries such as Ireland, Canada and the United States, adults and children alike revel in the popular Halloween holiday, which derived from ancient festivals and religious rituals.
Why is Halloween a holiday in the US?
Many European cultural traditions hold that Halloween is a time when magic is most potent and spirits can make contact with the physical world. In Christian times, it became a celebration of the evening before All Saints' Day. Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought the holiday to the United States.
Is Halloween a holiday?
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurs on Thursday, October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
Is Halloween a global holiday?
As one of the world's oldest holidays, Halloween is still celebrated today in several countries around the globe, but it is in North America and Canada that it maintains its highest level of popularity. Countries celebrate Halloween: Austria.
Is Halloween a European holiday?
Although Halloween isn't celebrated as lavishly as it is in the U.S., many European countries have their own unique way of marking the spookiest of holidays.
Is Halloween a real holiday?
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurs on Thursday, October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Is Halloween a Mexican holiday?
The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere.
Is Halloween a German holiday?
Although Halloween is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Reformation Day in 2019, which is a public holiday in 9 states. Costume parties are held on or around Halloween.
Is Halloween a mail holiday?
There will be mail on Halloween. Though Halloween is a holiday, it is not a federal holiday. Both Columbus Day and MLK Jr. Day are official federal holidays.
Is Halloween technically a holiday?
Halloween really considered a holiday because all the person celebrate whole night and they need to take rest in next day. Halloween is considered a holiday, but is not given the day off from schools and businesses, because it is not exactly Christian.
Is Halloween a official holiday?
The distinction between holiday and celebration is loose, but those who argue that Halloween is a celebration point to the fact it is not an official religious or federal holiday—US employers do not compensate workers for Halloween, and it finds no recognition in any Christian denomination.
Is Halloween a witches holiday?
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurs on Thursday, October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
Is Halloween a international holiday?
Halloween, of course! Halloween is one of the oldest holidays in the world. Its roots date back to Samhain, the ancient Gaelic harvest festival celebrated in Celtic countries, such as Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Many other countries around the world observe holidays that celebrate departed loved ones.
Is Halloween a national holiday?
When a holiday occurs on Saturday or Sunday, that holiday is shifted to either Friday or Monday. Most employers follow a holiday schedule similar to the federal holidays of the United States, with exceptions or additions. Halloween and Valentine's Day are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays.
Is Halloween a Spanish holiday?
If you'll be in Spain in late October, it helps to know how the Spanish observe the three-day celebration of Halloween, Dia de Todos los Santos, and Dia de Muertos. One reason that Halloween partying has become more popular is that the following day, All Saints' Day, is a public holiday.
Is Halloween a commercial holiday?
Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday, with Christmas being the first. “Americans celebrate Halloween by attending or throwing a party, giving candy to children, visiting haunted houses, dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and taking their children trick-or-treating.”
Is Halloween a holiday in the USA?
Halloween, the Eve of All Satins' Day is not a federal or state holiday. Here is a list of federal holidays. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is celebrated the prior day; when a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated the following day.
Why is Halloween considered a pagan holiday?
It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain; that such festivals may have had pagan roots; and that Samhain itself was Christianized as Halloween by the early Church.
Is Halloween really a pagan holiday?
It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain; that such festivals may have had pagan roots; and that Samhain itself was Christianized as Halloween by the early Church.
Is Halloween a holiday in USA?
When a holiday occurs on Saturday or Sunday, that holiday is shifted to either Friday or Monday. Most employers follow a holiday schedule similar to the federal holidays of the United States, with exceptions or additions. Halloween and Valentine's Day are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays.
Is Halloween a holiday in India?
Halloween is not a public holiday. Costume parties are held on or around Halloween.
Is Halloween a holiday in UK?
Halloween is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. Schools, businesses, stores and other organizations are open as usual.
Is Halloween a pagan holiday?
It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain; that such festivals may have had pagan roots; and that Samhain itself was Christianized as Halloween by the early Church.
Is Halloween a religious holiday?
Halloween is the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows' Day (also known as All Saints' or Hallowmas) on 1 November and All Souls' Day on 2 November, thus giving the holiday on 31 October the full name of All Hallows' Eve (meaning the evening before All Hallows' Day).
Is Halloween a public holiday?
When a holiday occurs on Saturday or Sunday, that holiday is shifted to either Friday or Monday. Most employers follow a holiday schedule similar to the federal holidays of the United States, with exceptions or additions. Halloween and Valentine's Day are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays.
Is Halloween a federal holiday?
When a holiday occurs on Saturday or Sunday, that holiday is shifted to either Friday or Monday. Most employers follow a holiday schedule similar to the federal holidays of the United States, with exceptions or additions. Halloween and Valentine's Day are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays.
Is Halloween a world holiday?
Halloween, of course! Halloween is one of the oldest holidays in the world. Its roots date back to Samhain, the ancient Gaelic harvest festival celebrated in Celtic countries, such as Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Many other countries around the world observe holidays that celebrate departed loved ones.
Is Halloween a secular holiday?
Halloween and Samhain: Secular and Sacred Celebrations. Halloween, or Samhain, is celebrated in many ways, some religious, some spiritual and many secular. It is a religious holiday that has entered the general American cultural ethos and is celebrated with trick-or-treating and costume parties.
Is Halloween celebrated only in America?
Halloween, one of the world's oldest holidays, is still celebrated today in a number of countries around the globe. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—honors deceased loved ones and ancestors.
Is Halloween a legal holiday?
Some holidays honor specific groups and events, such as Valentine's Day, Earth Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Flag Day, and Halloween. These are not federal holidays. Some holidays and observances receive presidential proclamations.
Is Halloween considered a holiday?
Halloween is the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows' Day (also known as All Saints' or Hallowmas) on 1 November and All Souls' Day on 2 November, thus giving the holiday on 31 October the full name of All Hallows' Eve (meaning the evening before All Hallows' Day).
Is Halloween a major holiday?
When a holiday occurs on Saturday or Sunday, that holiday is shifted to either Friday or Monday. Most employers follow a holiday schedule similar to the federal holidays of the United States, with exceptions or additions. Halloween and Valentine's Day are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays.
Is Halloween a worldwide holiday?
Halloween, one of the world's oldest holidays, is still celebrated today in a number of countries around the globe. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—honors deceased loved ones and ancestors.
Why is Halloween considered a holiday?
Halloween really considered a holiday because all the person celebrate whole night and they need to take rest in next day. Halloween is considered a holiday, but is not given the day off from schools and businesses, because it is not exactly Christian.
Is Halloween a holiday in Canada?
Statutory Holidays in Canada. The next holiday is Civic Holiday in 9 days. Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Father's Day and Halloween are not official holidays but are celebrated nationwide, however, no paid vacation is given for these days.
Is Halloween a holiday in Ireland?
The October bank holiday is Ireland's only Autumn holiday and falls on the last Monday of the month. It is also unofficially referred to as the halloween or Samhain bank holiday since the long weekend regularly falls on or adjacent to these festivals. – Irish Examiner, 28 October 1977.
Is Halloween considered a national holiday?
Not a federal holiday due to the fact that it always falls on a Sunday, which is a non-working day for federal and state employees. Many companies that are normally open on Sunday close for Easter. Originally the end of the Celtic year, it now celebrates Eve of All Saint's Day. Decorations include jack o'lanterns.
Is Halloween a holiday yes or no?
Halloween is considered a holiday, but is not given the day off from schools and businesses, because it is not exactly Christian.
Is Halloween a holiday or celebration?
Holiday or celebration? The distinction between holiday and celebration is loose, but those who argue that Halloween is a celebration point to the fact it is not an official religious or federal holiday—US employers do not compensate workers for Halloween, and it finds no recognition in any Christian denomination.
Is Halloween a public holiday in Germany?
Public holidays in Germany and important German holidays 2019. Many of the German bank holidays are religious and date back centuries. A more recent holiday in Germany is the Day of German Unity celebrated on 3 October, which commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990.
Is Halloween considered a religious holiday?
Halloween is a religious holiday belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. The day before All Hallows Day was called “All Hallows Eve” and – over time – became condensed into “Halloween.”
Is Halloween considered a legal holiday?
It is not a public holiday; that is, it is not federal or state holiday. The people of the United States are not influenced by the actions of the federal government the way people of other nations are influenced by their central governments. Halloween, the Eve of All Satins' Day is not a federal or state holiday.
Is Halloween a holiday in America?
Halloween, the Eve of All Satins' Day is not a federal or state holiday. Federal holidays are spelled out in the 1968 Uniform Holidays Bill, which grants federal employees a three-day weekend on Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day.
Is Halloween only celebrated in America?
And although the holiday is an Irish invention, it's Canada and the United States that have made Halloween as popular as it is today. These six countries celebrate their holidays around Halloween time, and some of their celebrations may even trump our North American version, so let's roll for another adventure.
Is today Halloween in the US?
Many people around the world celebrate Halloween, which occurs annually on October 31. It is the day before All Saints' Day, and is also sometimes called All Hallows' Eve and Hallowmas Eve. Costume parties are held and many children go trick-or-treating around this time of the year.
When did Halloween become a national holiday?
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurs on Thursday, October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
When did Halloween become a holiday?
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurs on Thursday, October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
What year did Halloween become a holiday?
In the 7th century ce Pope Boniface IV established All Saints' Day, originally on May 13, and in the following century, perhaps in an effort to supplant the pagan holiday with a Christian observance, it was moved to November 1. The evening before All Saints' Day became a holy, or hallowed, eve and thus Halloween.
When was Halloween made a holiday?
In the 7th century ce Pope Boniface IV established All Saints' Day, originally on May 13, and in the following century, perhaps in an effort to supplant the pagan holiday with a Christian observance, it was moved to November 1. The evening before All Saints' Day became a holy, or hallowed, eve and thus Halloween.
How much is spent on Halloween in the US?
Total spending for Halloween is expected to reach $9 billion this year. Celebrants are planning to spend an average of $86.79, up from last year's $86.13, with more than 175 million Americans planning to partake in Halloween festivities.
What is the most popular Halloween candy in us?
According to new data from YouGov Ratings, the most popular candy among Americans is M&Ms (85% positive), followed closely by Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (83%).
When was Halloween considered a holiday?
In the 7th century ce Pope Boniface IV established All Saints' Day, originally on May 13, and in the following century, perhaps in an effort to supplant the pagan holiday with a Christian observance, it was moved to November 1. The evening before All Saints' Day became a holy, or hallowed, eve and thus Halloween.
Does Halloween count as a holiday?
Halloween, the Eve of All Satins' Day is not a federal or state holiday. Here is a list of federal holidays. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is celebrated the prior day; when a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated the following day.
What is Halloween in the US?
While not an official holiday, the traditional October 31 Halloween celebration is much beloved by children in the United States, for whom the day is a chance to don costumes'often depicting ghosts, goblins and other "supernatural" creatures'and to collect candy and other treats from adults.
Is Halloween the biggest holiday?
Is Halloween Really the Second Largest US Holiday? It's been said that Halloween has increased in popularity so much that it falls second to only Christmas in terms of total consumer retail spending. Halloween is at #2 in total retail spending. Christmas (or Winter Holidays) is, and forever will be at #1.
Is Halloween an international holiday?
Halloween, of course! Halloween is one of the oldest holidays in the world. Its roots date back to Samhain, the ancient Gaelic harvest festival celebrated in Celtic countries, such as Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Many other countries around the world observe holidays that celebrate departed loved ones.
What is the most popular Halloween candy in the US?
According to CandyStore.com, the top sellers nationwide were Skittles, M&M's, and Snickers. Take a look at which candy is most popular in your state.
How much candy is sold in the US each Halloween?
Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy a year for Halloween. An incredible 90 million pounds of chocolate candy is sold during Halloween week, taking a strong lead compared to other holidays.
What is the pagan holiday for Halloween?
It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain; that such festivals may have had pagan roots; and that Samhain itself was Christianized as Halloween by the early Church.
Is Halloween just an American holiday?
And although the holiday is an Irish invention, it's Canada and the United States that have made Halloween as popular as it is today. These six countries celebrate their holidays around Halloween time, and some of their celebrations may even trump our North American version, so let's roll for another adventure.
Is Halloween the devil's holiday?
Halloween is the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows' Day (also known as All Saints' or Hallowmas) on 1 November and All Souls' Day on 2 November, thus giving the holiday on 31 October the full name of All Hallows' Eve (meaning the evening before All Hallows' Day).
Is Halloween an Irish holiday?
Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1.
What pagan holiday is Halloween?
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurs on Thursday, October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
How much candy is sold in the US during Halloween?
Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy a year for Halloween. An incredible 90 million pounds of chocolate candy is sold during Halloween week, taking a strong lead compared to other holidays.
Is Halloween holiday in Canada?
Statutory Holidays in Canada. The next holiday is Civic Holiday in 1 days. Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Father's Day and Halloween are not official holidays but are celebrated nationwide, however, no paid vacation is given for these days.
Is Halloween an official holiday?
Halloween, the Eve of All Satins' Day is not a federal or state holiday. Here is a list of federal holidays. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is celebrated the prior day; when a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated the following day.
What is the Wiccan holiday for Halloween?
Samhain (/ˈsɑːwɪn/) is considered by Wiccans to be one of the four Greater Sabbats. Samhain is considered by some as a time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, and it often involves paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets, and other loved ones who have died.
How long is the Halloween holiday?
Halloween always falls on October 31, so there are still 20 days to wait. The celebration takes place on the eve of All Saints' Day - a Christian festival that is often called All Hallows' Day. Halloween gets its name because it is a contraction of All Hallows' Eve.
Why is Halloween called the Devil holiday?
Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while "some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which comes from the
Is Halloween public holiday in USA?
When a holiday occurs on Saturday or Sunday, that holiday is shifted to either Friday or Monday. Most employers follow a holiday schedule similar to the federal holidays of the United States, with exceptions or additions. Halloween and Valentine's Day are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays.
Why does the US celebrate Halloween?
It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating sweet treats.
Where did Halloween start in the US?
Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought the holiday to the United States. The commercialization of Halloween started in the 1900s, when postcards and die-cut paper decorations were produced. Halloween costumes started to appear in stores in the 1930s and the custom of 'trick-or-treat' appeared in the 1950s.
How did Halloween originate in the US?
Hansen: The practices of Halloween mostly come from Celtic paganism in the British Isles, and their feast of Samhain, the new year. They believed it was the time when ghosts and spirits came out to haunt, and the Celts would appease the spirits by giving them treats.
Who Created Halloween holiday?
Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1.
Which pagan holiday is the basis of Halloween?
It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain; that such festivals may have had pagan roots; and that Samhain itself was Christianized as Halloween by the early Church.
What are the top three Halloween celebrations in the US?
10 great Halloween celebrations in the U.S. Village Halloween Parade. Louisville Zoo Party. Kids dressed up like monkeys can see real monkeys in Louisville, Kentucky. Halloween Harvest Festival. Crescent City Ghost Tour. The Halloween Capital of the World. Day of the Dead Festival. Salem's Grand Parade. Halloween Carnaval.
When did Halloween become popular in the US?
Costuming became popular for Halloween parties in the US in the early 20th century, as often for adults as for children. The first mass-produced Halloween costumes appeared in stores in the 1930s when trick-or-treating was becoming popular in the United States.
When did Halloween start in the US?
Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought the holiday to the United States. The commercialization of Halloween started in the 1900s, when postcards and die-cut paper decorations were produced. Halloween costumes started to appear in stores in the 1930s and the custom of 'trick-or-treat' appeared in the 1950s.
What us the meaning of Halloween?
The word "Halloween" comes from"All Hallows' Eve" and means "hallowed evening." Hundreds of years ago, people dressed up as saints and went door to door, which is the origin of Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating.
What is the most popular Halloween candy sold in the US?
According to new data from YouGov Ratings, the most popular candy among Americans is M&Ms (85% positive), followed closely by Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (83%).
How many people celebrate Halloween in the US?
More than 175 million Americans will celebrate Halloween this year, with seven out of ten consumers planning to hand out candy.
When was Halloween first celebrated in the US?
In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers than about ghosts, pranks and witchcraft. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day.
What year did Halloween start in the US?
Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought the holiday to the United States. The commercialization of Halloween started in the 1900s, when postcards and die-cut paper decorations were produced. Halloween costumes started to appear in stores in the 1930s and the custom of 'trick-or-treat' appeared in the 1950s.
Why do we celebrate Halloween in the US?
Many European cultural traditions hold that Halloween is a time when magic is most potent and spirits can make contact with the physical world. In Christian times, it became a celebration of the evening before All Saints' Day. Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought the holiday to the United States.
Where was Halloween first celebrated in the US?
Almanacs of the late 18th and early 19th century give no indication that Halloween was widely celebrated in North America. It was not until mass Irish and Scottish immigration in the 19th century that Halloween became a major holiday in North America.
When did we start celebrating Halloween in the US?
Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought the holiday to the United States. The commercialization of Halloween started in the 1900s, when postcards and die-cut paper decorations were produced. Halloween costumes started to appear in stores in the 1930s and the custom of 'trick-or-treat' appeared in the 1950s.
How much candy is sold in the US during the week of Halloween?
Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy a year for Halloween. An incredible 90 million pounds of chocolate candy is sold during Halloween week, taking a strong lead compared to other holidays.
How much Halloween candy is sold in the US each year?
Total spending for Halloween is expected to reach $9 billion this year. Celebrants are planning to spend an average of $86.79, up from last year's $86.13, with more than 175 million Americans planning to partake in Halloween festivities.
What holiday comes after Halloween?
Holidays most commonly celebrated RankDateHoliday7October 31 (Fixed)Halloween8February 14 (Fixed)Valentine's Day9March 17 (Fixed)Saint Patrick's Day10December 31 (Fixed)New Year's Day (New Year's Eve)6 صفوف أخرى
How did Halloween become an American holiday?
The American Halloween tradition of “trick-or-treating” probably dates back to the early All Souls' Day parades in England. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world, people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes.
Why was the holiday Halloween made?
It 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.
Is Halloween a PG?
Such is the case with today's news that not only is Halloween rated R, but the MPAA has designated it as such due to ”horror violence and bloody images, language, brief drug use and nudity.”
Is Halloween a religion?
Halloween is a religious holiday belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Yes, that seems strange, what with the modern renditions of dancing skeletons and black cats and witches riding broomsticks. The holiday is “All Hallows Day” (or “All Saints Day) and falls on Nov. 1.
How did the holiday Halloween start?
Hansen: The practices of Halloween mostly come from Celtic paganism in the British Isles, and their feast of Samhain, the new year. They believed it was the time when ghosts and spirits came out to haunt, and the Celts would appease the spirits by giving them treats.
