Halloween is widely considered a descendant of pagan Celtic festivals, especially Samhain, celebrated by the ancient Irish and Scottish peoples. However, QI made an unexpected observation: Halloween was, for centuries, primarily a Christian holiday.

All Hallows’ Eve and the Church

The term “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the night before All Saints’ Day (1st November), which the Catholic Church established in the 8th century. This was a day to honor saints and martyrs, and Halloween marked the beginning of a holy three-day period: All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.

In medieval Europe, Christians prayed for the dead, rang bells, and lit candles to help souls in purgatory. Children and the poor would go "souling"—knocking on doors and offering prayers in exchange for cakes. This is a direct precursor to today’s trick-or-treating.

Pagan Roots and Christian Layers

While Halloween has undeniable Celtic roots, QI pointed out that the Church appropriated and reshaped many festivals for its own purposes. By the Middle Ages, Halloween was a religious observance with some pagan customs folded in—not the other way around.

It wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in America, that Halloween became associated with costumes, candy, and horror—shedding its Christian overcoat for a more commercial, spooky identity. shutdown123