What is Halloween?

What is Halloween?
Halloween is on October 31st every year.
Christians traditionally called October 31st All Hallows’ Eve. This is because October 31st is the day before All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Day.

Halloween Traditions
Costumes
A long time ago, some people thought that if they dressed up in scary looking costumes it would stop any bad spirits from bothering them.
Today, people have fun dressing up in costumes. Children go trick-or-treating. Costume parties are often held on Halloween.

Carved pumpkins are called jack-o’-lanterns.
A long time ago, people kept jack-o’-lanterns outside their homes on Halloween night. They were supposed to scare away evil spirits.
In Ireland, jack-o’-lanterns were originally carved out of turnips. When a lot of Irish people moved to America, they wanted to make jack-o’-lanterns. They couldn’t find enough turnips, so they carved pumpkins instead.
Today, people carve all sorts of silly or spooky faces into pumpkins. They are displayed as decorations.
Halloween Traditions
Pumpkins

Apple bobbing is a game often played on Halloween.
A large container is filled with water. Apples are then put into the container and float on the water.
Players try to catch an apple using only their teeth! They are not allowed to use their hands to help them.
Halloween Traditions
Apple Bobbing

Children dress up in costumes and knock on neighbors’ doors. They say ‘trick-or treat!” The children are given treats such as candy or chocolate.
It is important to stay safe when
trick-or-treating. Always go
trick-or-treating with an adult.
Halloween Traditions
Trick-or-Treating