Halloween

/ˌhæloʊˈin/ noun

Definition

A holiday celebrated on October 31st, characterized by costumes, trick-or-treating, and supernatural themes.

Etymology

From Scottish 'Hallowe'en', contraction of 'All Hallows' Even' (All Saints' Eve). Derives from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when the boundary between living and dead was believed to be thinnest.

Kelly Says

This holiday represents one of history's most successful cultural adaptations, transforming from an ancient Celtic harvest festival through Christian overlay to modern American commercialized celebration, yet still retaining its core themes of death, transformation, and the supernatural.

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