Halloween

Halloween History

Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve, is an annual observance celebrated in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to remember the dead and honour departed spirits, with various traditions and customs associated with the event. The celebration is particularly significant for its ties to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter, making it a time of transition and reflection.

The observance of Halloween can be traced back over 2,000 years ago to the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in territories that now constitute the UK, Ireland, and Northern France. The Celts believed that the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead became thin during this time, allowing spirits to return and interact with the living. In England, Halloween customs evolved over time, including the practice of "souling" where children and the poor would go door-to-door to pray for the dead in exchange for soul cakes. In Scotland and Ireland, traditions such as guising, whereby children would dress up in costumes and visit neighbouring houses for treats, began to take shape by the 19th century.

Present-day Halloween celebrations within the United Kingdom often draw inspiration from both local and international customs. Traditional activities include carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, attending costume parties, and participating in trick-or-treat visits to neighbours. Apples are also commonly associated with Halloween in the UK, with games such as apple bobbing and 'snap apple' – hanging apples on strings to be eaten without using hands – remaining popular. The observance takes place annually on the 31st of October, with celebrations frequently extending into the first few days of November.

Halloween facts

• According to Google Trends’ , the top Halloween costumes of 2023 include Barbie, Spiderman, and Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family.
• In early Celtic celebrations, turnips or other root vegetables were used in place of pumpkins. A burning lump of coal was placed inside the hollowed out vegetable and carried during the festivities.
• Halloween was not widely recognized or celebrated in England until the 20th century. This was partly because English Reformation in the 16th century lead to a decline in the observance of holy days, including Halloween.
• Halloween was not as commercialized in the UK as it was in other countries such as the United States until more recently. The holiday didn't really start to become popular until the late 1970s and 1980s. Currently, it is the third biggest retail event in the UK after Christmas and Easter.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Halloween

Top things to do in the UK for Halloween

• Dress up in your favorite costume.
• Go trick-or-treating.
• Embrace the Halloween spirit and decorate your house with spider webs, fake spiders, bats, skeletons, and other creepy decorations.
• Hide candy or treats around your home or garden and create a scavenger hunt for children and adults alike. Use clues or riddles to lead participants to their sweet rewards.