“The Freaks Come Out at Night” isn’t just a song; it’s a phrase that perfectly sums up the spooky activities that fill a scary Halloween night. Children look forward to Oct. 31, excited for carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, dressing up as their favorite superhero or princess, and the promise of so much candy that their parents will regret it. But as those children get older, their excitement shifts into something different. The fun of trick-or-treating is replaced by the promise of parties, haunted houses, and costumes that one’s parents would never agree to. But how did teenagers start treating Halloween like a time to get wasted when the holiday itself used to be something different entirely? 

     Now, Halloween itself never began as an excuse to have a party or dress in an outfit two sizes too small. It originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of the darker half of the year. According to History.com, the Celts believed that on the night of Oct. 31, the barrier between the living and the dead became non-existent, allowing spirits to wander over into the world of the living. To protect themselves, they would wear costumes, often made of animal heads and skins, to fend off these wandering ghosts and confuse the spirits. Then, when European colonists came to America, Halloween evolved into a celebration of public parties and telling ghost stories. Eventually, trick-or-treating was invented, originally known as “souling.” But that still begs the question of how the holiday became very different from how it was when kids were growing up.

     In recent times, Oct. 31 has transformed into a major event for older kids, often revolving around elaborate costumes, spooky-themed parties, and nightlife fun. I believe this shift can be attributed to the appeal of an opportunity for a social gathering and the creativity behind it. Halloween parties not only give people a reason to get together and have some fun, but also provide the space for one to be what they want to be without judgment. And maybe part of it is just a natural shift: teenagers no longer want to go trick-or-treating with their mommies and daddies, but instead want to go out with their friends, and maybe do something a bit illegal. This fact isn’t mind-blowing; teenagers have been participating in the holiday’s spooky fun for decades now, so it’s not so unfathomable that it has continued to this day.

     Halloween has evolved significantly from its ancient roots as the Celtic festival of Samhain to the modern American celebration it has flourished into now. Because while it began as a way to ward off ghosts and evil spirits, it has now transitioned into a fun way to get candy for children and a holiday-themed party gathering for those older. But no matter how you decide to celebrate your Halloween night, it remains a time for creativity, fun, and allowing individuals to express themselves, while having a good time during the spooky season.