October 31 — Halloween: the history of the holiday, as celebrated in Russia and the world

On the night of October 31 to November 1, one of the most mysterious holidays is celebrated around the world — Halloween, also known as All Saints' Eve. Candles in pumpkins, costumes of evil spirits and the tradition of asking for sweets became his symbols. In 2025, Halloween falls on a Friday, which means that the atmosphere of mysticism and fun can be felt in the evening. About the history, symbols and features of Halloween celebrations in Russia and abroad in the material of Izvestia.

Halloween 2025 — the history of the holiday

The history of Halloween originates from the ancient Celts who inhabited the territory of modern Ireland and Scotland. They celebrated Samhain, the holiday of the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. On the night of November 1, according to their beliefs, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became especially thin, and spirits could return to earth. To appease them, people left food on the doorstep and lit bonfires.

Later, the church established All Saints' Day, but the ancient traditions were preserved — and gradually Samhain turned into Halloween. The word comes from the English All Hallows’ Eve — "All Saints' Eve". Gradually, the holiday began to combine pagan and Christian elements, and in the New World it took the form of mass folk fun.

With the advent of Christianity, the pagan tradition merged with the Catholic All Saints' Day, which is celebrated on November 1. The Night Before — All Hallows’ Eve (All Saints' Eve) — eventually shortened to the familiar name Halloween. In the Middle Ages, the holiday retained a mystical connotation, but gradually became part of folk culture, symbolizing the transition from summer to winter.

In the second half of the 19th century, Irish immigrants brought the tradition of celebration to the United States. Halloween has acquired a modern look there, with masquerades, treats, and elements of horror culture. Today, it is celebrated in almost all countries of the world, including Russia, where the holiday has become popular since the late 1990s.

How to celebrate Halloween in Russia and around the world

Nowadays, Halloween has lost its religious meaning and has become a massive cultural event. The largest scale of the celebration is observed in the USA, Canada and the UK. The streets are decorated with pumpkin garlands, artificial cobwebs and skeletons, and children go from house to house shouting "Trick or treat!" ("Sweet or nasty"), receiving candy from neighbors.

In many European countries, carnivals, costumed processions and parades of evil spirits are held on the night of October 31 to November 1. Bonfires are traditionally lit in Ireland and Scotland, and colorful street processions are held in Mexico in honor of the Day of the Dead, combining local beliefs and Catholic customs.

Halloween appeared in Russia in the 1990s, becoming more of an element of themed parties. Today it is celebrated in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and other major cities. Clubs and restaurants organize themed parties where visitors dress up as vampires, witches and ghosts. Entrance to such events is often allowed only in costumes.

Some Russians decorate their houses with pumpkin lanterns, watch horror movies, and make themed pastries. The holiday is perceived as an opportunity to show creativity and escape from everyday life.

Pumpkins for Halloween — how to carve and what to cook

The main symbol of the holiday is a lantern pumpkin with a carved face, inside of which a candle is burning. It is called Jack's lamp (English — Jack-o’-lantern). According to legend, this character was a cunning blacksmith who tricked the devil. After his death, Jack found himself between worlds and was forced to wander, lighting the way with a lantern made of a pumpkin with a coal inside. Hence the tradition of carving sinister faces on fruits and putting a candle inside. Today, lanterns decorate houses, cafes and streets, turning cities into theatrical autumn decorations.

Previously, turnips were used in Ireland for this purpose, but in America it was replaced by a bright and large pumpkin. To make a lantern, choose a fruit with a flat bottom and a dense peel. The lid is cut off, the pulp is cleaned and the contours of the future face are drawn on the surface. The eyes and mouth are cut out with a sharp knife, and to keep the pumpkin longer, the edges of the slices are lubricated with petroleum jelly. A candle or a light bulb is placed inside, and the mystical symbol is ready.

Pumpkin is also used in the kitchen on this day. Pumpkin pies, muffins, muffins, and mashed soups are baked in different countries. In Russia, recipes for "scary" treats are popular: cookies in the shape of bats, "vampire" cupcakes with jam and cakes decorated with glaze in the form of cobwebs. The main idea is to combine festive surroundings with a creative approach.

Masquerades are an equally important tradition. Children and adults wear costumes of witches, vampires, ghosts or popular characters, and toddlers go around houses with the phrase: "Trick or treat!" In return, they receive sweets — a reminder of the ancient custom of treating kind spirits so that they do not harm. Halloween symbols also include black cats, bats, cobwebs, candles, and autumn leaves. These images are reminiscent of mysticism, the passage of time and the cycle of nature.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the national holiday Yefimiy Autumnal.