I've watched a few of these videocasts where they explain the origins of certain words. The show is called "Hot for Words." You'll know why it has that name when you watch it. :wub
So - click to learn about the origins of the word, HALLOWEEN!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fZ5bYfErdk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fZ5bYfErdk)
Awesome :)
I grew up in the area of England called Lancashire, not too far from a place called Pendle. Pendle is famous for our version of the Salem Witch Trials, called (obviously) the Pendle Witch Trials. Every year we have a big party in honour of the women (and a couple of men I think) who were burned at the stake for being witches, they were most likely innocent or happened to be herbalists - Halloween is a big thing where I come from and it's a great celebration.
I love Halloween, to me though Mischief Night (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mischief_Night) (Nov 4th) is a bigger thing :)