Editing Halloween (section)

=== The Origins of Halloween ===
Halloween’s origins trace back over 2,000 years to the ancient '''Celtic festival of Samhain''' (pronounced "sow-in"). The Celts, who lived in what is now Ireland, the UK, and northern France, celebrated their New Year on '''November 1st'''. This day marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a season often associated with death. The night before, on '''October 31st''', the Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. They celebrated '''Samhain''' by lighting bonfires and wearing costumes to ward off wandering spirits.

In the 8th century, '''Pope Gregory III''' designated '''November 1st''' as '''All Saints’ Day''', a day to honor saints and martyrs. The evening before became known as '''All Hallows’ Eve''', eventually shortened to '''Halloween'''.