Halloween is Irish

Halloween is originally Irish!

The modern celebration of Halloween has deep roots in ancient Celtic Ireland, where it began as a festival called Samhain (pronounced Sow-in). Here’s how it connects:

Origins:

Samhain was celebrated by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was seen as a liminal time when the boundary between the living and the spirit world was thin, allowing ghosts or fairies to cross over.

Traditions:

People lit bonfires to ward off evil spirits, wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves from ghosts, and left offerings of food for wandering souls — all customs that survive in Halloween today.

Christian Influence:

When Christianity spread to Ireland, the Church established All Hallows’ Day (Nov 1) and All Hallows’ Eve (Oct 31) — which merged with Samhain traditions. Over time, All Hallows’ Eve became Halloween.

Spread to America:

Irish immigrants in the 19th century brought these customs to the United States, where Halloween evolved into the modern, fun, and commercial holiday we know today — with pumpkins, costumes, and trick-or-treating.

So while Halloween is celebrated worldwide now, its heart and history are truly Irish.