Halloween in United Kingdom

Halloween is a holiday annually celebrated on October 31. Some people hold Halloween parties on or around this date, where the hosts and guests often dress up as skeletons, ghosts or other scary figures. Common symbols of Halloween include pumpkin, bats and spiders.

What do people do?

Halloween celebrations in the United Kingdom include parties where guests are often expected to arrive in a costume to reflect the day’s theme. Other people gather together to watch horror films, either at home or at a cinema. Some children go trick-or-treating. This means that they dress up and go to other peoples’ houses, knocking on the door for treat of sweets or a snack. Those who do not give out a treat may be tricked with a joke instead. Halloween has its origin in pagan festivals in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Many stores and business see Halloween as a chance to promote products with a Halloween theme.

Public life

Halloween is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. Schools, business, stories and other organizations are open as usual. Public transport services run on their normal timetables.

Symbols

There are various symbols are associated with Halloween. The colors orange and black are very common. Other symbols include pumpkin lanterns, witches, wizards, ghosts, spirits and characters from horror films. Animals associated with the festival include bats, spiders and black cats.