Most of our Holloween beliefs and superstitions began about 2000 years ago. The people called Celts, who lived in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. didn't begin their new year on January 1 Their New Year started on November 1. So October 31 was their New Year's Eve.

The Celts believed in ghosts and goblins and witches. Their belief was that these spirits and witches walked the earth on the last day of the year which was October 31. The thought of having those spirits walking among them terrified the Celts. The Celts thought that if they dressed up in costumes and masks, the spirits wouldn't recognize them and they would be safe.

For the Romans, November 1 was an important holy day called All Hallows.

After the Romans had conquered the British Isles, they lived among the Celts for many years. Some of the traditions of the two different peoples blended together, and grew into a new tradition combining some of both of the old ones.

Eventually October 31, the day before All Hallows, became known as All Hallows E'en (evening). The name slowly changed into "Halloween" and it became the holiday we know today.

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