Halloween Red Witch in Tree Black Cat Valentine & Sons Embossed Postcard

Halloween, stemming from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marked the end of summer and harvest, ushering in winter and a period believed to blur the veil between worlds. With the advent of Christianity, it merged with All Hallows' Eve, evolving into a holiday associated with spirits and supernatural folklore. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as American communities increasingly embraced Halloween, the holiday began transitioning from solemn observances to a more festive, secular celebration.