Why is Halloween celebrated on October 31?

• Learn the story behind Halloween. 
• It is a day to honor the memory of the dead. 
• More and more countries are celebrating this holiday.

October 31 is one of the most anticipated dates of the year and marks the beginning of the holiday season. Halloween is the day when children and adults go out to the streets to enjoy trick-or-treating and costume parties that entertain the whole family.

But do you know why Halloween is celebrated and why it’s on October 31? Historically, there are compelling reasons to celebrate on October 31 and we’ll tell you about them!

What is Halloween?

Halloween, or All Saints Day, is a tradition that was born within Christianity, specifically at a time of the liturgical year designated to remember the deceased and the saints. In Celtic culture, people lit fires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts.

Over time, the celebration was transformed to give rise to what is now known as Halloween. In the United States, where this holiday is one of the most popular, it is customary to have parties, wear costumes and go from house to house asking for candy.

Historical facts

Historians say that the Anglican settlers who arrived in the United States recognized All Hallow’s Eve or All Saints’ Day in their calendars, but there were also some religious groups that were opposed to this type of celebration. Until the 19th century, this holiday did not have a widespread presence throughout the country, but this radically changed with the arrival of the Irish and Scottish immigrants.

It was these two groups that rooted the celebration of Halloween in the United States — first, within their own communities and, later, by sharing these customs with other residents, interest in Halloween increased. Currently, Halloween is celebrated most widely in the US but more and more nations are adopting this holiday.

Why is Halloween celebrated on October 31?

The reason why Halloween is celebrated on October 31 is because it is a date that coincides with the festival of Samhain, a festival in the Gaelic culture which celebrated the end of the autumn harvest and welcomed winter, as well as honoring the dead and the spirits with rituals or bonfires that brought together hundreds of people each year.

A predominant belief to celebrate Halloween on October 31 is that souls can pass through the spiritual world and the earthly world, which would allow them to connect with loved ones who have passed away. Whether this theory is true or not, the reality is that October is a month when deceased people are often remembered with offerings and rituals that vary from culture to culture.