Hundreds of years ago, the Celtic people of Europe celebrated Samhain on the last day of October to honor the souls of the dead. The Romans later conquered the Celts and combined Samhain with their own festivals. Today, Halloween traditions include Americans decorating with jack-o'-lanterns and children going trick-or-treating, which originated from the Celtic idea that souls could play tricks if not honored. Superstitions associated with Halloween include finishing travel before sunset and carrying bread with salt for protection.

1. Halloween

2. The History of Halloween
Many hundreds of years ago, a people called the Celts lived
in Europe and on the British Isles. The Celts believed that
the souls of the dead visited Earth on the last day of October.
They had a festival in honor of these souls of the dead, and
they called it Samhain.
In time, the Roman Empire conquered the Celts and took
over some of their beliefs as well. This included Samhain.
The Romans combined it with their own festivals. And since
the Roman Empire spread across a great part of the known
world, the idea that the souls of the dead visited Earth on the
last day of October spread far and wide.

3. Halloween Traditions
In the United States trick-or-treaters are welcomed by
placing lighted pumpkins known as jack-o'-lanterns in their
windows.
The North American tradition of trick or treat comes from
the original idea that you must be kind to dead ancestors
or they will play a trick on you.
Neopagans of North America honor their ancestors on
October 31. It was once believed that on this night any
souls who had not yet passed into the paradise of the
summer lands might return to wander the streets and visit
their old homes once more.

4. Superstitions
On Halloween, journeys must be finished before sunset.
A pice of bread vrossed with salt was carried in the pocjets of
travellers to keep them safe.
Apples, nuts and candles figured prominently in many of the
supersitions practised at halloween.