If you’ve ever seen children in funny costumes on TV — witches, ghosts, pumpkins — shouting “Trick or treat!”, you’ve probably wondered what on earth is going on. Welcome to Halloween, that curious Western festival full of mischief, pumpkins, and play.
But did you know this celebration has ancient roots that go back more than 2,000 years — long before anyone ever carved a pumpkin or wore a superhero mask?
Let’s take a little journey through time and spirit — the story of Halloween.
It All Began with the Celts
Long before modern Britain or Ireland existed, the Celts, who lived across parts of Europe, celebrated a festival called Samhain (pronounced Sow-in). It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, around 31st October.
They believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin — allowing spirits to visit the earth. People lit bonfires, wore animal-skin costumes, and left food outside to please wandering souls.
Rather spooky, but also deeply respectful — much like how we light lamps for ancestors during Pitru Paksha in India.
When Christianity Met the Old Ways
Centuries later, as Christianity spread across Europe, the Church tried to give the pagan festival a new meaning. It created All Saints’ Day, also called All Hallows’ Day, on 1st November — a day to honour saints and martyrs.
The night before came to be called All Hallows’ Eve — which, over time, simply became Halloween!
It was still a time for lighting candles for loved ones, sharing food, and telling stories about spirits — but gradually, fear turned into fun.
Pumpkins, Lanterns and Mischief
So where did the pumpkins come from? In old Ireland, people carved turnips or beetroot, placing candles inside to ward off evil spirits. When Irish immigrants arrived in America, they discovered pumpkins — easier to carve and more colourful — and so the Jack-o’-lantern was born!
The name comes from an old folktale about “Stingy Jack,” a clever man who tricked the Devil but was doomed to wander the earth with only a glowing coal inside a hollowed-out turnip to light his way.
Today, that glow shines from almost every doorstep in the West — cheerful rather than chilling.
Costumes, Treats and Community Spirit
The “trick or treat” tradition also has ancient roots. Centuries ago, poor villagers would go door-to-door, singing prayers or performing small plays in exchange for food — a bit like bhajan mandalis or Ramleela in India.
Over time, this became a children’s game. Dressed as ghosts or goblins, they’d knock on doors asking, “Trick or treat?” — meaning “give us a treat, or we’ll play a harmless prank!”
These days, it’s all about fun, laughter, and community — not ghosts and curses! Streets fill with pumpkins, candles, and friendly faces under painted masks.
How Halloween Travels the World
Though it began in Europe, Halloween has now travelled across continents. In Japan, it’s celebrated with street parades. In Mexico, it merges with the Día de los Muertos — the colourful Day of the Dead honouring ancestors.
And even in Indian cities, you might see children in witch hats at malls, or themed parties with pumpkin cakes and spooky décor. It’s less about fear, more about fun — a global celebration of creativity, connection, and yes, a little bit of make-believe!
A Gentle Reflection
For us seniors, Halloween may seem like a modern Western fad — but at its heart, it’s about remembering those who came before us, celebrating the changing seasons, and finding joy in imagination.
Rather like our own festivals — from Diwali’s light conquering darkness, to Pitru Paksha’s remembrance, to Navratri’s costumes and dance — Halloween too reminds us of the timeless rhythm between life, death, and renewal.
So if you ever see a small witch or pirate ring your bell this October, hand out a sweet, share a smile, and remember — behind the masks lies a very human tradition of honouring the past and embracing joy.
Fun Tip: You can celebrate Halloween at home too! Try carving a papaya or pumpkin with your grandchildren, light a candle inside, tell them an old Indian ghost story — and add a little desi magic to the night! 🎃✨
