The origins of today's "Halloween" started about 2,000 years ago in Ireland. The Celtic people of Ireland marked the end of their harvest period and beginning of the winter season on November 1st. They also believed that the souls of the dead would return to earth on October 31st. The communities would gather and light bonfires, the people would wear masks or animal skins to scare away the "ghosts".

The Christian influence on the holiday came in the 8th century with October 31st being designated as "All Hallows' Eve" (holy evening) and this is where the term "Halloween" is derived. November 1st became "All Saints Day" and November 2nd became known as "All Souls Day".

The Irish Immigrants in the 1840s brought these traditions to America.

By the 20th century, Halloween had grown into a secular holiday and became very commercialized.