Halloween
98 days until Halloween
About Halloween
Halloween is celebrated annually across Canada on October 31 as a festive occasion marked by costumes, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating. Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, the day has evolved into a widely enjoyed community event for children and adults alike.
History
Halloween traces its origins back more than 2,000 years to Samhain, an ancient Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the deceased thinned, allowing spirits to roam the earth. To ward off unwanted spirits, communities lit large bonfires and wore disguises made of animal skins.
In the eighth century, the Western Christian Church designated November 1 as All Saints' Day, absorbing several customs associated with Samhain. The preceding night became known as All Hallows' Eve, later shortened to Halloween. Scottish and Irish immigrants brought these autumn customs to Canada during the 19th century, where they gradually developed into the modern tradition of costume parties and neighbourhood trick-or-treating.
Traditions & Celebrations
On Halloween evening, Canadian children dress in costumes and visit homes in their neighbourhood, calling out 'Trick or treat!' to receive candy. Families hollow out local pumpkins to carve Jack-o'-lanterns, which are lit from within and placed on front doorsteps to welcome visitors. Many households decorate their front yards with autumn and spooky themes, while adults often participate by attending costume parties, visiting haunted mazes, or taking part in community fundraisers.
Did you know?
- Before pumpkins became widely available in North America, people in Ireland and Scotland traditionally carved spooky faces into turnips and rutabagas to ward off spirits.
- The phrase 'Jack-o'-lantern' comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack, who was condemned to walk the earth with only a burning coal inside a carved turnip to light his way.
- According to data from the Retail Council of Canada, Halloween is one of the largest seasonal consumer events in the country, with significant spending on candy, costumes, and home decorations.
- The iconic orange UNICEF collection boxes were a staple of Canadian trick-or-treating for over 50 years after the initiative expanded to Canada in 1952.
Halloween dates by year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Halloween a statutory public holiday in Canada?
No, Halloween is an observance rather than a statutory public holiday. Schools, government offices, banks, and businesses remain open with regular operating hours.
When does trick-or-treating usually start in Canada?
Trick-or-treating typically begins around dusk, usually between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with younger children going out earlier and festivities winding down by 8:30 p.m.
What is the origin of the phrase 'Trick or Treat'?
The phrase originated in North America in the early 20th century, derived from the idea that children would perform a lighthearted prank or 'trick' if they were not given a sweet 'treat'.