will doubtless be without the slightest concept of its origins.

Originally a holy evening called All Hallows' Eve (or All Saints' Day), in it is only since the end of the last century that it has become an occasion for pranks, and children threatening tricks in the absence of treats.

In ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic festival of Sambain was observed on October 31 at the end of summer. This date was also the eve of the new year in both Celtic and Anglo-Saxon times, and was the occasion for one of the ancient fire festivals where huge bonfires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits.

The date was connected with the return of herds from pasture, and laws and land tenures were renewed.

The souls of the dead were supposed to revisit their homes on this day, and the autumnal festival acquired sinister significance, with ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, black cats, fairies, and demons of all kinds said to be roaming about. In addition, Hallowe'en was thought to be the most favourable time for divinations concerning marriage, luck, health and death. It was the only day on which the help of the devil was invoked for such purposes.

The pagan observances influenced the Christian festival of All Hallows' Eve, celebrated on the same date. Gradually, Hallowe'en became a secular observance, and many customs and practices developed.

Immigrants to the US, particularly the Irish, introduced secular Hallowe'en customs, which became popular in the late 19th century. And it seems even then vandalism was a feature. Mischief-making boys and young men included overturning sheds and outhouses and breaking windows in their marauding, and damage to property was sometimes severe.

In later years, Hallowe'en came to be observed principally by costumed children going from house to house demanding, "trick or treat''.