Halloween is one of those holidays we all love! Whether it’s the opportunity to dress up in costumes, inhale our weight in lollies, or to watch spooky movies. But have you ever wondered how it all started? Come along on a little trip back in time to uncover the history of Halloween and how it became the sweet-and-spooky celebration we know today.
Ancient Beginnings: Samhain
Over 2,000 years ago, the Celtic people in Ireland and Scotland celebrated Samhain, a festival marking the end of harvest and the start of winter. They believed that on October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and spirits could cross over. To keep safe, people lit big bonfires, dressed in animal-skin costumes, and left out offerings of food. It was spooky, sacred, and full of tradition.
Blending Traditions: Romans, Christians & Medieval Times
When the Romans conquered Celtic lands, they blended their own festivals with Samhain—including Feralia—which honoured the dead, and Pomona—a harvest festival symbolised by apples (yep, that’s where apple bobbing comes from!). Later, the Christian church introduced All Saints’ Day on November 1st, turning October 31st into All Hallows’ Eve—or Halloween. People began dressing up as saints, demons, or spirits, carving lanterns from turnips, and knocking on doors asking for food in exchange for prayers. The spooky season was officially evolving.
Halloween Arrives in America
Fast forward to the 1800s, when Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween to the United States. Turnips weren’t as common there, so pumpkins became the go-to for carving—and therefore, the iconic jack-o’-lantern was born. Halloween slowly shifted into more of a community event, with parties, games, and treats for kids. It became less about keeping spirits away and more about having a frightfully fun time together.
By the 1920s and 30s, Halloween had turned into a mix of parades and mischief-making. Communities encouraged trick-or-treating as a safer way for kids to celebrate, and by the 1950s, it was all about costumes, candy, and family fun. From there, Halloween only grew bigger, with movies, decorations, and over-the-top costumes making it the ultimate spooky season we know today.
What started as a Celtic festival to ward off spirits is now one of the most playful holidays of the year. And here at Cachia, we’re all about keeping the fun alive—minus the scary bits! Our Halloween pyjamas for 2025 are the perfect mix of comfort and costume, making them ideal for trick-or-treating, Halloween parties, or just getting cosy on the couch with a scary movie. Who needs a costume when you’ve got PJs that do both?