Halloween Traditions Link Ancient Rituals, Costumes, Pumpkins Globally

Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31, originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the transition from harvest to winter and was believed to be a time when spirits roamed the earth. To ward off these spirits, people lit bonfires and wore masks, traditions that evolved into the modern Halloween customs of wearing costumes and carving pumpkins, the latter stemming from an Irish practice. The holiday has inspired various cultural expressions, including films and comics; John Carpenter's 1978 film "Halloween" is credited with inventing the modern slasher genre and remains a seminal work in horror cinema. The V/H/S franchise offers a contemporary take on Halloween-themed horror, featuring urban legend-inspired stories with intense gore and supernatural elements. Additionally, the Nocturnals comic series blends horror and noir, portraying a family of supernatural heroes in a richly illustrated world, adding depth and warmth to Halloween storytelling. Beyond media, Halloween also influences gaming, where players embrace the spirit of the season through immersive, spooky experiences that evoke courage and adventure.