Hello Harlem!

It’s almost Halloween here in Harlem – a time for ghosts, jack-o-lanterns and lots of candy. But where did Halloween come from? Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. The church incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain into All Saints Day. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved i...