Halloween is one of our most popular holidays, but what's the real story behind the tricks and treats?
Halloween is All-hallow's eve, the night before All Saint's Day (also called All-hallowsor All-hallowmas) on November 1, not be confused with All Souls' Day, which is observed on November 2, and is dedicated to those who have died.
Reaching further back, Halloween has traditions in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in), when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.
Learn more in this week's free Almanac Companion—plus, check your Halloween forecast!
Sincerely, your Almanac editors
Some merry, friendly, country-folks,
Together did convene,
To burn their nits, and pou their stocks,
And haud their Halloween.
–Robert Burns (1759–96)
Halloween is always celebrated on October 31 so the day of the week changes each year. Find the day of Halloween each year plus this holiday’s fascinating history (it may surprise you!). We also have a bagful of Halloween treats for you from delicious recipes, cool crafts, poetry, and fun...
Why does Halloween fit so well with October? It’s just interesting to think about how much weather and daylight affect the whole nature of a celebration.
Get today’s forecast for your area as well as the upcoming week’s predictions, including current weather conditions, temperature, wind speed, and national weather radar, temperature and “feels like.” Simply input your ZIP or Postal code below to see the weather forecast
The Sun is setting earlier and earlier: It’s really dark. The leaves are dropping quickly now, so barren branches now tremble in the wind. And yes, even that wind is generally stronger during the cold months.
