Though the day of the week it falls on changes every year, Halloween itself always falls on October 31. Since 2024 is a leap year, Halloween was pushed out an extra day. And that's great because next year, in 2025, Halloween is on a Friday and that truly is something to celebrate!

The belief that the souls of the dead return home on one night of the year and must be appeased seems to have ancient origins and is found in many cultures. In 19th century Ireland, "candles would be lit and prayers formally offered for the souls of the dead. After this the eating, drinking, and games would begin".

The All Saints' Day celebration was also called All-hallows or All· Hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the traditional night of Samhain in the Celtic religion, began to be called All-Hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween.

The reason why we celebrate Halloween is to simply ward off or avoid evil spirits altogether. The ideas and customs behind Halloween began with the Ancient Celtic people in Ireland, Scotland, England, and Northern France. They had a fall harvest or a Celtic ``New Year'' celebration called Samhain (Sow-in).