History of Halloween

Halloween conjures up images of jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, witches, sweet treats, and children dressed in costumes for an evening of trick-or-treating. Across the United States an estimated 36.8 million children between the ages of 5 and 13 will participate in trick-or-treating. The United States produces 805 million pounds of pumpkins that get carved into jack-o-lanterns. Every October 31^st porches across the United States get decorated with jack-o-lanterns; windows with images of ghosts, black cats, and witches; streets are filled with children in costumes who go from door to door with open bags yelling, "trick or treat" in hopes of receiving their favorite candies and treats. Millions happily participate in Halloween traditions each year, but what are the origins of the holiday?