Every year once October hits we begin to see a few things around us change. The leaves are falling from the trees, the air is getting that slightly cold breeze to it, and people start to love the idea of being scared again. The people who wouldn't dare to sit through a horror movie are now excitedly waiting outside haunted houses. That's the beautiful thing about the holiday. A way to bring out our spooky side (if only for a night.) Its my favorite holiday, because its celebrated in so many different ways; by all types of people.

1. Salem Massachusetts

If you look into the history book and flipped to the section on Salem you would find a story of hatred, torture, and murder. The story of Salem didn't end on that horrid note however. Instead Salem became a safe haven for people who practice the craft. Where witches were once persecuted and hung; now sits shops full of witchcraft supplies. Its become a place where witches of all shapes and sizes come to celebrate Halloween. A fair amount of the witch community has taken residence their as well. Its a truly magical place to see come October, but the fun lasts year round for this historic town.

2. Mischief Night

Have you ever seen a movie where little boys go wreak havoc on a town for a night? Well imagine that, but in your backyard instead of the big screen. Its identified by many names, Mischief Night being just one. It's also called Devils Night, Miggy Night (in England), and Cabbage Night. Its technically the night before Halloween begins, presumably to not raise suspicion. It's been a long standing tradition in large cities in the US, as well as over seas. Now you know if kids are roaming around with egg cartons or toilet paper on October 30th, it's not for anything good.

3. The Day of the Dead

In Mexico, as well as other Spanish nations, a beautiful tradition is held the day after Halloween. Its known as 'deo de los muertos' or the day of the dead in English. Its a time where people celebrate their loved ones who've passed on. They hold a party in the cemetery, bake cakes and bread to honor the spirits, and decorate graves with flowers and candy. It's not considered a scary time; Instead it's one to be with the people they care about who are no longer with them. I consider it to be one of the more beautiful ways to celebrate the holiday.

4. The Celts Made Halloween

The title used by Celts and witches alike for Halloween is Samhain (Pronounced SOW-in.) Celts were actually the first people known to celebrate Halloween. They saw this as the day the veil was lifted between the spirit world ad their own. It let our spirits with no bias, the good, and the bad. They wore masks to hide their identity from the spirits who may wish to cause them harm. They would also host large festivals with bonfires. Music was played loudly to help ward off the evil from getting to them. Some who decided not to attend such festivities would instead set out fruits and other small treats in hopes of appeasing these ghouls.

5. The Witches New Year

You probably celebrate New Years on December 31^st , some people celebrate it on Halloween. Samhain is considered in the witches calendar to be the new year. In accordance to the seasons Halloween is the time when farmers will harvest there crops, the plants will begin to wilt and die, and we see our outside world change. Its major time of reflect on past year, and what to do to improve for the future. Witches hold huge parties on this day to celebrate the years accomplishments.

Halloween is a time of festivals, friends, scares, and my personal favorite candy. I've always been in love with the idea of getting a whole bag of candy, but the holiday continued to grow on me into adulthood. I don't think there will ever be time when I don't get butterflies in my stomach when I realize its almost time for Halloween.