The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic
Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November
1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance
in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer
officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en), the
Celtic New year.
This was originally posted by Margherita for All Hallows Eve, and this is what it is tonight.