Halloween, the night of October 31st, is a holiday celebrated worldwide with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations. But where did this tradition start from?
The History of Halloween
The roots of Halloween can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the veil between the living and the dead was thing, allowing spirits to return to Earth. To ward off evil spirits, they would light bonfires and wear costumes.
Over time, the holiday spread throughout Europe and eventually to the states. In the US, Halloween became popular in the 19th century and has since evolved into a much-loved tradition.
Modern-Day Halloween Traditions
Today, Halloween is celebrated with a variety of activities, including:
- Trick-or-treating: children (and adults!) dress up in costumes and go door to door collecting candy.
- Pumpkin carving: Families and friends carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns that they light up for the big night. Some enjoy carving scenes, faces, beloved pets and even painting them too.
- Haunted house and corn mazes: These fun attractions provide thrills and scares for those brave enough to walk through. You’ll find Eckert’s has a corn maze and this year has it themed to support Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
- Costume parties and parades: People of all ages gather to show off their costumes…and often there’s prizes at stake for the most creative, best handmade costume, scariest and the list goes on.
- Halloween movies and TV shows: Spooky films and shows are even more popular during this season. Movies like Beetlejuice, Halloween, The Adams Family, Hocus Pocus, Nightmare Before Christmas are a few must-watch during the month of October.
Halloween Safety Tips
While Halloween is a fun time, it is important to also prioritize safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind this season:
- Costume safety: Make sure costumes are flame-resistant and fit properly. Always have a flashlight, glow wands or necklaces so when outside, it’s easy to be seen.
- Trick-or-treating safety: Accompany children when going out and be sure check candy and treats before eating.
- Driving safety: Be extra cautious on Halloween night, as many families and kids will be out.
Local Halloween Activities and Events
If you enjoy driving around the St. Louis area to see all the fun spooky decorations, be sure to check out St. Louis Halloween Light Hopping for a guide to St. Louis and the surrounding areas best Halloween displays and easy maps to follow to see Halloween houses in your area.
- September 28th: Fright at the Museum (runs from September 28th – October 28th)
- September 28th: Zootoberfest (runs September 28th and 29th and October 5th and 6th)
- October 4th: Falloween at the Affton Community Center
- October 11th: Halloween Trivia at the Lemp Mansion
- October 19th: The Great GO! St. Louis Halloween Race
- October 25th: Science Spooktacular at the St. Louis Science Center
Whether you’re a fan of spooky decorations, trick-or-treating, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, Halloween offers something for everyone. So get in the spirit and be sure to have a safe and fun Halloween!