Halloween originated 2000 years ago in Ireland, England, and Northern France as part of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people believed spirits of the dead returned to earth on October 31st. To avoid being recognized by ghosts, people wore costumes. The tradition of carving jack-o-lanterns from pumpkins comes from Irish traditions of carving turnips to scare away ghosts. Today, Halloween involves children dressing in costumes and going trick-or-treating to collect candy, carving jack-o-lanterns, and telling scary stories.

1. Halloween

2. Origins Began 2000 years ago in Ireland, England, and Northern France with the ancient religion of the Celts (Paganism). On the night of October 31 ,they believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth .(Samhain ) They celebrated their New Year on November 1, beginning a dark, cold winter.

3. Costumes People thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes… So they wore costumes so that the ghosts couldn’t recognize them!

4. The Jack-O-Lantern The Irish used to carry turnips with candles in them to light their way at night and to scare away ghosts..

5. When they arrived in America they found that pumpkins were more plentiful and easier to carve than turnips.

6. The Christian Influence Nov. 1: All Saints' Day to honor saints and martyrs, to replace the Pagan festival of Samhain . Oct. 31 st : All Hallows' Eve ('hallow' means 'saint').

7. Trick-or-treating began with the poor in the 15 th century… In England, poor people would beg for “soul cakes.” Families would give soul cakes in return for a promise to pray for the family’s relatives

8. Costumes “ Trick or Treating” Jack O' Lanterns Parties Scary movies / stories Today:

9. Costumes Halloween is a fun holiday. People wear funny or scary costumes.

10. Trick or Treating Children use a basket, bag, or pillowcase to carry their Halloween candy. Children knock on doors and say “Trick or treat!” People give them candy.

11. Lots of Candy!

12. Jack-O'-Lanterns People carve pumpkins and use them to decorate their homes.

13. People go to costume parties Bobbing for apples is a popular game at Halloween parties. Players try to bite an apple and take it out of a bucket of water without using their hands.

14. People tell scary stories and watch scary movies

19. The End Happy Halloween!