Most Americans have fond memories of Halloween parties and trick or treating but this is not the case everywhere in the world. Some countries don’t celebrate Halloween at all. Halloween originates from Celtic festivals, in France, Ireland, and the UK, during which wearing costumes and lighting fires to scare off ghosts was common. All Hallows Eve, Halloween, is the night when the Celtic people believed that the boundaries between the living and the dead become thin enough to let ghosts pass into the living world. 

Although originating in Europe, the celebration of Halloween is almost entirely occurring in America. As immigration increased, especially from Ireland, celebrating Halloween became common for all people. The distinct American Halloween started to form when different European cultures and Native American culture combined as immigration soared. By the early twentieth century, Halloween had lost all religious affiliation and became more community centered while being more focused on the youthful population of America.

Trick or treating also originated from European tradition that has since spread throughout America. This holiday practice grew in popularity in the early twentieth century. Currently, in America, Halloween is considered the second most popular holiday, right behind Christmas generating nearly 6 million dollars yearly. Overall, Halloween has integrated itself into American culture and most likely will continue to remain part of the culture for many generations to come.