The first known tradition celebrating Halloween-like events originated in England with All souls’ Day parades. Due to immigration, Halloween became largely influenced by European traditions. Since the early 1800’s, Americans have been celebrating this spooktacular holiday.

     One of the most anticipated activities on Halloween night is trick-or-treating. The phrase “trick-or-treat” came from people dressing up and asking for money or food around the early 1900’s. By the 1920’s and 1930’s Halloween in America was a massive celebration involving parades, town festivities, and entertainment.

    Resulting from the Baby Boom, the 1950’s celebrations became more home and classroom based for accommodation purposes. Trick-or-treating became an inexpensive way for the whole town to enjoy the Halloween festivities as a community. According to superstition, giving children treats is a way to prevent trickery on Halloween night. Ultimately, Halloween became a big commercial holiday across the United States.

    Today, Halloween is less spiritual based and focuses more on family-friendly activities. Dressing up in elaborate or homemade costumes is another popular tradition in America. Around the early 1900’s, Americans believed ghosts roamed the earth on the night of October 31. To prevent a ghoul from recognizing them, people dressed up in masks after leaving home  or during the night. The belief entailed that wearing a mask disguised humans to spiritual beings, preventing any trouble with unwanted company. In modern times, the people in America purchase or make costumes to wear throughout the night. Halloween night is full of sweet treats, suspicious fun, and spending time with loved ones.