Halloween: A Spooky History

Originally a compilation of both and pagan traditions, nowadays is best known for its goblins, monsters, scary stories and trick or treating.

But thousands of years ago, this holiday was much more than just a night of costumes, candy and creepy characters. 

This fun-filled spooky night, which dates back more than 2,000 years, originated with the ancient celebration of Samhain, also known as the "Celtic New Year.” The ritual of Samhain, where people dressed in animal skins, occurred on Oct. 31 and marked the completion of the final harvest, which was held at the end of summer and at the start of the dark winter days. During this eerie night, it was believed the spirits of the dead returned to play tricks on the living and damage hard earned crops.

In 800 A.D., Christianity had spread to the Celtic regions. "All Saints Day" was a tradition that was celebrated on Nov. 1 in honor of the saints and those who passed away. Deriving from the Roman Catholic Church, “All Saints Day” was preceded by "All Hallows' Eve," which was abbreviated to  “Hallowe'en.”

Back then, trick or treating was a practice called "souling," in which poor people would beg for bread in return for saying prayers for their recently deceased loved ones in Medieval England. In the mid-1800s, English and Irish immigrants brought Halloween to the U.S., where trick or treating eventually became the tradition it is today. 

Next to , Halloween takes the lead for the most popular U.S. holiday, raking in more than $5 billion a year from Americans, including those in Montrose! As a country, we consume 20 million pounds of candy corn a year, and one quarter of all the candy sold annually is for Halloween.

The has cornered a large part of that local market here with its old-fashioned feel and assortment of delicious candies. For the home, has an array of items for your Halloween decor. and help supply costumes, toys and spooky Halloween paraphernalia.

La Crescenta local Jonathan Scott is always cautious when it comes to Halloween safety in Montrose.

"I know this is a safe area, and Montrose can be lots of fun for kids and trick or treating,” Scott said. “But we can never be too cautious, I guess. I feel like every year gets a little less safe only because crime rates tend to move up a bit,” said Scott, a six-year resident.

“I have to add that I feel most safe here on Halloween than anywhere else in Glendale," Scott said. "This year we are going to the Halloween Spooktacular!”

happens on Oct. 31 in the 2200 block of Honolulu Avenue, beginning at 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The festivities will include treats, food, carnival style booths, rides, face painting and costume contests.