Mike in the Night! E391, Ghost To Ghost Halloween Special, Call ins Scary Stories,

**** Originally Aired on October 30th 2021****
Scary Stories from the Raven , Willy , Ricky Spanish , Ralphie ,

The history and origins of Halloween can be traced back to ancient Celtic traditions, particularly the festival known as Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"). Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter in the Celtic calendar, which was celebrated around October 31st. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. They thought that the spirits of the deceased could return to the earth during this time.

To ward off these spirits, the Celts would dress in costumes made of animal skins and heads and light bonfires. The fires were not only a means of protection but also served as a way to aid in the transition from the old year to the new.

When the Romans conquered the Celtic territories, they incorporated some of the Celtic traditions into their own festivals. The Roman festival Feralia, which honored the dead, and Pomona, the goddess of fruits and trees, also influenced the evolving Halloween celebrations.

With the spread of Christianity, the church attempted to replace pagan festivals with Christian holidays. In the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV moved All Saints' Day (a day to honor saints and martyrs) to November 1st, possibly in an effort to overshadow the pagan Samhain festivities. The evening before All Saints' Day became known as All Hallows' Eve, and later, Halloween.

As immigrants, particularly the Irish, brought their customs to North America in the 19th century, Halloween evolved into a more secular and community-centered event. Trick-or-treating became a popular practice, where children dressed in costumes would go door-to-door asking for treats, and the Halloween parties and parades we see today began to take shape.

Today, Halloween is widely celebrated in many countries around the world. It has become a mix of ancient traditions, religious influences, and modern customs. People often engage in activities like trick-or-treating, costume parties, haunted house visits, and pumpkin carving. The holiday has evolved into a fun and festive occasion, with a focus on creativity, costumes, and community events.