It Is Time For All Hallow's Eve Again

Coming to the significance of the Halloween timing, it is necessary to look into many influences in its history. As per one theory, Halloween traditions were influenced by harvest festivals of Celtic people, particularly the Samhain festival of Gaelic people. Some also suggest that Samhain may have been Christianized as All Hallow's Day, along with its eve, by the Church. Some academics also believe Halloween began solely as a Christian holiday, being the vigil of All Hallow's Day celebrated in Ireland and Scotland for centuries.

Considering all the above, it would not be wrong to conclude that Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France. Irish and  Scottish migrants brought many Halloween customs to North America in the 19th century, and then through American influence, Halloween spread to other countries by the late 20th and early 21st century. Halloween is now celebrated in many countries like USA, Canada, Mexico, Britain, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Poland, Serbia, Romania and Netherlands.

It is beginning to be observed in India also of late. Russia does not celebrate Halloween, since it is felt by politicians and religious groups that it goes against their Christian and cultural values and traditions. In USA, Halloween Originally confined to the Irish & Scottish immigrant communities, got gradually assimilated into mainstream society and celebrated across the length and breadth and by people of all social, racial, and religious backgrounds by the beginning of y 20th century.

Anoka, Minnesota calls itself The Halloween Capital of the World.
It is one of the first cities in the United States to put on a Halloween celebration that discourages people from playing tricks or causing trouble. In 1920, a weeklong celebration was started in Anoka in an effort to take the trick out of trick-or-treat. The Grand Day Parade includes a Mass Band, made up of bands from four high schools. Another featured event is the Gray Ghost 5K Run, inspired by sightings of Bill Andberg, a marathon runner in his 70s whose gray-clad ghostly figure can often be seen running through a local cemetery. There are many competitions during the week, including a pumpkin bake-off and one for best Halloween house decorations. Most participants wear their Halloween costumes.