, commonly known as Halloween , is the vigil or evening before All Saints' Day, observed annually on October 31 . Historically, it marks the beginning of Allhallowtide , a three-day period dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed . Religious Significance and Origins

: The name "Halloween" is a contraction of "All Hallows' Eve," where "hallow" means holy or sanctified.

: Early Christians held vigils on the night before major feast days. All Saints' Eve was established as a time for prayer and fasting to prepare for the solemnity of All Saints' Day.

: Many historians link the timing of the holiday to Samhain , an ancient Gaelic harvest festival where people believed the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds became thin, allowing spirits to roam the earth. Historical Development