According to research, Halloween’s roots are with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a pagan festival celebrated by the ancient Celts. It marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the winter. They believed the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead blurred during this time, and one might contact a dead relative during this period. However, bonfires were lit to ward off any evil spirits who might enter the world at this time.
The name “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the evening before the Christian holy days of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). over time the links between the two celebrations such as bonfires and costumes blended together.
In the Mid-1800s, the day was most likely observed by the English, Irish, Scotch and Welsh immigrants living in the US Southern Colonies. Mentions of Halloween appeared in Grahams’ American Monthly Magazine of Literature, Art, and Fashion of 1849.
The Irish sometimes carved vegetables, including turnips. Pumpkin carving appears to be a tradition added by Americans.
Through the years the celebration has become a secular holiday enjoyed by many regardless of their beliefs. But the costumes, ghost, and bonfires have their roots in Samhain and All Saints’ Day.
BTW, research also shows that during the Middle Ages, black cats were associated with witches. Now,
in Japan, they are seen as a sign of good fortune, and in Scotland, a
strange black cat arriving at your doorstep is considered lucky. They
are also seen as protectors. 
When I carve a pumpkin, I roast the seeds too, yummy. Do you plan on carving a pumpkin this year? Please leave a comment. Thanks!
Excerpt: Her Country Heart Book one of four Sierra Creek Series
In Sophie’s Ice Cream Parlor, Amy took a quick breath and sat at a table with her friend. “Vanna, can you help the little kids? You know, choose pumpkins in the patch and then Laurie can bring their crafts, we’ll sell them. I’ll have apple and pumpkin pies for sale. Naturally, there will be jars of apple sauce and bottles of apple cider.” She took a quick breath. “If we had a little more time, we could have a haunted house for the middle school kids.” She shrugged. “Maybe next year.”
“Wow, girl, you’ve certainly thought this out. How about having picnic tables and we serve the kids and parents pieces of pie and apple cider right there on the farm? I’m sure we could borrow the tables from my preschool.”
“Vanna, I love that. I’m getting pumped. I so want this to work. Remember to tweet and share.”
“I will. It’s going to be a success.”
“Hi, Amy.” A male voice called.
She looked up expecting to see Wyatt.
Mike Donnelly, the manager of Sierra Creek’s largest grocery store, stood grinning at her.
“Hey, Mike. What are you doing here? You like Sophie’s ice cream?”
“You got me.” He laughed. “I’m sure it’s great, but I buy mine at the grocery store. I just saw you sitting in the window seat and decided to come in and say hi.”
“Sit down,” Vanna said.
“Thanks.” Mike sat down in the chair next to Amy.
Vanna winked at her.
Amy kicked her friend under the table and cleared her throat.
An awkward silence began.
“Oh, I didn’t realize it was so late.” Vanna stood up. “I’ll call you tonight. Got to go. Bye.”
Amy grunted. There was no way she wanted to be alone and try to make “happy talk” with Mike.
His shoulders relaxed and he leaned back in the chair. “So, you all settled in now?”
“Pretty much.” She finished her cola, making a slurping sound with her straw and resisted the inclination to grab an ice cube and pop it into her mouth.
“Uh, how’s your little boy?”
“Fine.”
“He’s a cute kid.”
“Thanks.”
“Sierra Creek’s a good place for a kid to grow up.”
“What? Uh, yeah.”
Not exactly a sparkling conversationalist, but she couldn’t think of anything to say to Mike. Why was it so hard to talk to him when it was so easy to chat with Wyatt?
“Amy.” Mike waved his hand in front of her eyes. “You still here?”
“Oh, sorry.” She forced an imitation smile to lift the corners of her mouth. “You going to get something to eat?” She nodded toward the ice cream counter.
“Can’t. Got to get back to the store. I came in to tell you I’ve been thinking about you.”
“You’ve been thinking about me?” Amy noticed the dimple in Mike’s cheek as he grinned at her.
“Yeah. A lot. Remembering you when we were in high school, I had one hell of a crush on you then.”
“I didn’t know.”
“Never told you, but I watched you back then.”
She felt her cheeks redden. He’d always just seemed one of the guys in her group. Nice enough, but she’d never really paid much attention to him. “High school seems like forever ago.”
“A long time and yesterday, if you know what I mean.” He suddenly looked serious. “Come to dinner with me on Friday night.”
“Uh. I don’t know. I have Bobby to take care of.” She looked down at her hands and hoped he’d understand she was saying no. “I don’t know if I can get a sitter.”
“Come on, Vanna can babysit for you or Sophie can. I’ll ask Sophie right now if you want me to.” He started to stand.
“No. Okay. I’ll go to dinner with you.” She paused. “But I’ll get a sitter.”
“Okay. I’ll pick you up on Friday at seven. See you.”
She tried to smile. “I guess,” she said under her breath, but Mike was already gone from the ice cream shop.
He had rushed out as if he wanted to leave before she could change her mind.
Damn, what have I done?
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