The United States

【明報專訊】In the US, Halloween represents religious and pagan beliefs, rituals and traditions. Though it is believed that Halloween originated in the US, it was brought to America in the 1840s by Irish immigrants who fled from famine (饑荒). Halloween celebrations officially began in the US in 1920. During the festival, people pay tribute to departed souls. Americans believe that, on Halloween, souls would come to this world to visit their living relatives.

Trick-or-treat is popular with American kids, who usually dress up in fancy costumes and "threaten" to do house owners mischief unless they give them sweets. Another popular activity is having masquerades (化裝舞會).