Halloween: Origins and Traditions | HISTORY Halloween Halloween traces its origins to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Over time, it transformed from a pagan tradition into a celebration filled with costumes, parties, jack-o'-lanterns and trick-or-treating enjoyed by both children and adults. Featured Overview Trick-or-Treating's Tricky History Trick or treating is now innocent Halloween fun, but before kids went door to door, the holiday was all about mischief and mayhem. 1:00m watch Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images. Featured Overview Trick-or-Treating's Tricky History Trick or treating is now innocent Halloween fun, but before kids went door to door, the holiday was all about mischief and mayhem. 1:00m watch Start Here How Halloween Has Changed Over the Centuries From pagan rituals to costumes and candy corn, discover how Halloween—and its associated traditions—has evolved through the ages. Why Do Witches Ride Brooms? The History Behind the Legend From pagan fertility rituals to hallucinogenic herbs, the story of witches and brooms is a wild ride. A Century of Horror Villains and the Fears That Inspired Them The best horror movies hold up a mirror to our collective fears and taboos. How Jack O’Lanterns Originated in Irish Myth Before we carved pumpkins, the Irish chiseled creepy faces onto turnips. Vampire History Vampire History Vampire legends have permeated many cultures, but is there any truth to these blood-sucking, un-dead creatures? 2:39m watch