Halloween Timeline

9th century

The Church designates All Souls Day

As Christianity continued to merge with Celtic traditions, historians believe that All Souls Day was an effort by the early church to sanction a holiday that honors the dead without totally doing away with the Celtic New Year on November 1.

16th century

"Guising" is the ancient grandparent to "trick or treat"

In Scotland and Ireland, young people would go door to door in their communities, reciting poetry, singing, telling jokes or even doing tricks to get free food and gifts as part of the day to honor the dead.

May, 1693

Which witch is which in Salem?

The infamous Salem Witch trials' officials falsely accused, then tortured and killed 19 girls, women and men.

Late 1800s

American Halloween is less religious, more secular

Halloween de-emphasizes ghosts and goblins and replaces them with community gatherings, games, food and fun when newspaper editors and community leaders ask parents to refrain from celebrating anything scary for Halloween.