Halloween was not always a night of trick-or-treating, jack-o-lanterns, and spooks. The holiday we call Halloween has its roots in ancient Christian tradition. While this is true of multiple holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, the origins of Halloween seem to be the most obscure. The word Halloween comes from the phrase “All Hallows Eve,” since the root “hallow” is an old English word for holy person or saint. For centuries in the Christian world, October 31st has been the vigil for “All Saints Day,” which is then celebrated each year on November 1st. On this day, Catholics and some Protestant denominations remember and honor those faithful saints and martyrs who are now in heaven.