It’s the spookiest time of the year and, in some cases, the only time you’ll see most of your neighbors.
Halloween is on the horizon, as shown by the holiday displays at local grocery stores, Walmarts and Targets.
Here’s what you need to know about Halloween.
When is Halloween?
Halloween is Thursday, Oct. 31.
Why do we celebrate Halloween?
Initially, Halloween was the Celtic holiday of Samhain, according to History.com . The celebration on Nov. 1 marked the end of the harvest season. Celts believed the night before ghosts of the dead returned to the earth. The celebration was combined with a Roman festival in 43 A.D. Eventually, the Catholic Church changed the holiday to honor all the Christian martyrs and saints – All Saints Day. The night before is All-Hallows Eve or Halloween.
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When did Halloween trick-or-treating start?
According to History.com , between 1920 and 1950, the practice of trick-or-treating was also revived. It was a relatively inexpensive way for a community to celebrate. The tradition grew and today, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second-largest commercial holiday after Christmas .