HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Today we dress in our best costumes to celebrate Halloween.

New York, NY, October 31, 2025, Kim Dynasty

Halloween traces back to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"), marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the Earth. People lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. In the 8th century, the Catholic Church established All Saints' Day on November 1 to honor saints, with All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) observed the night before. This blend of Christian and pagan practices helped shape modern Halloween. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to North America in the 19th century, including costumes and jack-o'-lanterns. Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door, asking for candy with the phrase "trick or treat."

This tradition may stem from medieval souling, where people went house to house offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. People of all ages wear costumes ranging from spooky to humorous and attend Halloween-themed parties. Dressing up echoes the ancient practice of disguising oneself to avoid recognition by spirits. Pumpkins are carved into lanterns with creepy faces. This tradition comes from the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, who was cursed to roam the Earth with a lantern. Haunted houses, ghost stories, and horror movies are popular in the Halloween celebration. Halloween is fun and fright, focusing on creativity, community, and celebrating the mysterious. While its spiritual and superstitious aspects have diminished, it remains a beloved holiday for children and adults alike.