When the leaves outside finally change color from green to copper, you realize that it is time to dig up your Halloween costume from the depths of the closet. But have you ever wondered why people dress up and go for trick-or-treating? Halloween costumes are part of an ancient tradition from nearly 2000 years ago.

   During the celebration of Samhain, a Celtic festival on Oct. 31 celebrating the beginning of the winter, people believed that the boundary between the living and the dead became more fragile and that spirits could return to Earth. Starting from the very beginning of celebrating Halloween, people wore different costumes, such as animal skins and heads, to avoid being recognized by the spirits so they could treat them with sweets and other gifts to avoid being harmed. During the Victorian era, costumes often reflected the popular literature and folklore of the time. In the early 20th century, costumes included movie characters and comics.

   Today, a Halloween costume can be anything you want, from a ketchup bottle to your very own character. The meaning of this holiday changed over time, people do not need to hide from spirits behind animal skins anymore, but have fun with friends and family decorating their homes, eating lots of candy, reading scary stories, watching movies, and being creative with costumes.