Discover the history behind Halloween traditions: jack-o’-lanterns, costumes, trick-or-treating, and more. Learn why we celebrate this spooky holiday today.

Pumpkins are carved, decorations appear and children (and adults) ready their costumes. But where did these traditions begin? Below, explore the history behind Halloween, from its ancient roots to the origins of a much-loved modern phenomenon, the pumpkin spice latte.

Yahoo: We Found the 58 Best Halloween for Men Costumes to Shop Early

We Found the 58 Best Halloween for Men Costumes to Shop Early

Yahoo: Best last-minute Halloween costumes for 2025, easy DIYs for women, men, groups

Best last-minute Halloween costumes for 2025, easy DIYs for women, men, groups

Halloween, [a] also known as All Hallows' Eve, [9] or All Saints' Eve, [10] is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.

Halloween is a holiday that marks the evening before the Western Christian feast of All Saints, or All Hallows, and hence it initiates the season of Allhallowtide. In much of Europe and North America, celebration of Halloween is largely nonreligious.

The following are a select few Halloween traditions, some still observed and others that have become relics of the past, along with some “fun facts” about Halloween, to add to this year’s Halloween fun.

Halloween has been celebrated for centuries. Here's what experts say about its origin, history and the meaning behind some of its most popular customs.