Halloween traditions vary widely, combining old customs with modern twists. Here are some of the most popular Halloween traditions:
- Costume Wearing: Wearing costumes traces back to the Celtic festival of Samhain. People would dress up to ward off wandering spirits, and today it’s a fun way for kids and adults alike to transform into characters.
- Trick-or-Treating: Dating back to medieval “souling” and “guising,” kids today go door-to-door for candy in costumes. This fun activity started in the U.S. around the early 20th century.
- Pumpkin Carving: Jack-o’-lanterns started as carved turnips in Ireland. Immigrants brought the tradition to America, where pumpkins were more common, making it the iconic Halloween decoration we know today.
- Haunted Houses: These staged fright-filled homes became popular in the U.S. around the 1930s. Today, they range from family-friendly versions to elaborate professional haunts.
- Bobbing for Apples: This tradition originated in Europe as a courting ritual. Now it’s a playful game, especially at Halloween parties.
- Horror Movie Marathons: Many families and friend groups celebrate by watching classic horror films, from cult classics to new releases.
- Decorating Homes and Yards: Halloween decorations can be as simple as spider webs or as elaborate as life-size skeletons and sound effects.
- Baking and Treat-Making: Halloween-themed cookies, pumpkin-flavored treats, and caramel apples are common. Many families and friends have gatherings to make these treats together.
- Trunk-or-Treating: A newer trend, trunk-or-treating takes place in community or school parking lots, where people decorate their car trunks and hand out candy to kids in a safer environment.
Do any of these traditions stand out as favorites?