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Halloween is almost here! In fact, it is tomorrow. But what do you know about Halloween? Let me tell you a short history of the holiday.

Some Halloween decorations

The holiday comes from ancient Celtic countries. It was a celebration for the end of the harvest, and began the “darker half of the year”. So, during this time, they believed that the dead could come to our world seeking food and drinks. If they didn’t get food or drinks, they would curse the families and the crops for the next year.

An old Irish jack-o-lantern (南瓜灯)

The name “Halloween” actually means “All Hallow’s Day” (All Saint’s Day 万灵节) . This name comes from the Christian holiday that came about in 150 AD. This holiday, from Oct 31- Nov 2, was used to remember both saints and pray to the souls who hadn’t reached heaven yet.

Christians lighting candles for the dead

Today, Halloween is mainly a North American holiday. The Scottish and Irish who left the UK to go to the USA brought the holiday with them, so by the 1800s, Halloween was a part of American culture. But today, the holiday is more about dressing up and getting candy instead of making dead spirits happy.

Trick or treat!

万圣节快乐! 小心鬼!