As any reader of Fire and Earth, the second book in the Sir Anthony Standen Adventures, will know I don’t believe in ghosts. But it’s Halloween, so I’ll blog about it. Halloween, or more correctly (according to Chambers) Hallowe’en, celebrated on October 31st, is a holiday known for its spooky decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating traditions. Originating from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, Halloween was originally a time when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was thin, allowing spirits to roam the earth.
When Christianity spread to Celtic regions, the church established All Saints’ Day on November 1st, with All Hallows’ Eve (eventually “Halloween”) falling the night before. As people migrated to America, they took Halloween traditions with them, blending various cultural practices over time. By the early 20th century, Halloween in America had evolved into a community-centered holiday with parties, games, and a focus on children’s activities.
Today, Halloween is a major event celebrated across many parts of the world, though especially popular in the United States. Costumes have become a central part of the holiday, with people dressing up as everything from classic monsters like vampires and witches to superheroes and pop culture icons. For children, trick-or-treating is a beloved activity, as they go door-to-door collecting candy from neighbours.
Halloween’s appeal goes beyond costumes and candy; it taps into a love for the mysterious and supernatural, creating a playful atmosphere where people embrace their fears in a safe, fun way. Haunted houses, horror movies, and ghost stories add to the thrill, making it a holiday that appeals to all ages. With a unique mix of history, folklore, and community, Halloween continues to be a cherished celebration that allows everyone to indulge in creativity, mystery, and a bit of harmless fright. Talking of mystery, I’m now over 85,000 words into my latest murder mystery, The Favourite Murder. Watch this space.