halloween

[suzie1]

why do people celebrate halloween?

[rojash]

'cos they've seen it in American movies, and think it looks fun?

[Ankou]

celebrate as in have a themed fancy dress party and knock on doors top get some sweeties, or celebrate as i knocking up some spells in a cauldron and summoning the dead ?

[R1Geezer]

It's "all Hallows Eve", one explanation is that it's a Celtic celebration of the end of Summer and the start of the Dark nights. I don't know what all the pumpkin/trick or treat stuff is all about though, that's probably the American influence.

[Androcles]

And increasingly being used in its other guise as the "night of mischief", which round here is interpreted as an excuse to go an a criminal damage rampage by certain groups of youths. Several folks cars were turned on their lid, Ho Ho Ho - but not much fun for the poor owner facing a write-off. People's houses pelted with flour and eggs and intimidatory trick and treat - more like highway robbery, car windows smashed. US style Halloween - you can keep it!

[Whickerman]

It's a religious festival to some of us - especially us Pagans. It marks the start of the new year and the start of Winter. More here

http://www.wicca.com/...kasha/samhainlore.htm