The tradition of carving jack-o'-lanterns originated in 19th-century Ireland, but using turnips instead of pumpkins.
With ghosts wandering around the Earth during Samhain, the Celts got creative to avoid being terrorized by evil spirits.
A staple at Halloween parties, bobbing for apples can be traced back to a Roman festival honoring Pomona, the goddess of agriculture and abundance.
Celtic people believed that during the festival of Samhain, spirits walked the Earth. The festival marked the transition to the new year at the end of the harvest and beginning of winter.
The idea of being spooked by black cats dates back to the Middle Ages, when they were considered a symbol of the devil.
There is much debate around the origins of trick-or-treating, but generally there are three theories.
The act of going door-to-door for handouts has long been part of Halloween. But until the middle of the 20th century, the treats kids received were generally coins, fruit, and nuts.
The pre-Halloween tradition, known as Devil’s Night, is credited to a different origin, depending on the source. Some say that pranks were originally part of May Day celebrations.
For much of the early history of Halloween, towering bonfires were used to light the way for souls seeking the afterlife.
However, the first mention of candy and caramel apples being given out at Halloween didn't happen until the 1950s.