History of Halloween

Samhain and liminality

Many historians trace Halloween to Samhain, a late-harvest vigil marking the porous threshold between living and dead. Bonfires warded off mischief; disguises muddled identities as spirits roamed.

Read more background at Encyclopædia Britannica and Historic UK.

Medieval prayers to porch lights

Through the Middle Ages, customs intertwined with All Saints' and All Souls' observances. Souling and mumming paved the way for neighborhood calls—centuries later, porch lights and candy bowls would echo those rounds.

On language and meaning, see Merriam‑Webster.