October 31 - the celebration of Halloween. It's about trick or treating, getting candy, dressing up in a scary costume right? Actually, Halloween has it's roots in Christianity. It began as a celebration of the Lord of the Dead for ancient Celtic tribes in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They wore masks and lit bonfires to scare away the evil spirits. After the Romans conquered the Celts, they added their own touches including bobbing for apples and drinking cider. In 835, Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for all the martyrs (now called Saints) to November 1. The night before became known as All Hallows Eve or "holy evening". Eventually the name was shortened to Halloween. Now the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of All Saints on November 1 and the Feast of All Souls on November 2.
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