Ireland is famous for leprechauns, Guinness and U2, but who knew the Emerald Isle is also the home of Halloween, dating back over 3,000 years to pagan times?

Today’s spooky tradition traces its roots to ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (Sow-win), which was celebrated in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East to mark the beginning of winter.

At this moment of transition, the Celts believed there was an interaction between the worlds of the living and the dead and that spirits could move between them; and fearing that all manner of beings might pull them into the otherworld before their time, the Celts would disguise themselves in costumes to confuse and scare off the roaming ghosts, fairies, hobgoblins, and demons.

TRADITIONS

• The modern practice of dressing up at Halloween is firmly rooted in the old pre-Christian Celtic customs as masks were worn as disguises against evil spirits (the first Halloween costumes)

• Bonfires were lit to ward off demons and embers were carried home in a hollow turnip (the original Jack O’ Lantern)

• Soul cakes were offered to children and the poor (today’s trick or treating)

Emigrants brought these customs to North America, then it spread around the world as All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween.

To celebrate the Oct. 31 tradition, Tourism Ireland has posted some interactive content online to help armchair revellers get in the spooky spirit:

Check out this VIDEO.

Meanwhile, for a quick read on Irish author Bram Stoker of Dracula fame, and Ireland’s influences on the classic tale of the undead, click HERE.

A video about barmbrack, the Halloween fruitcake tradition that is said to tell one’s fortune can be found in this video:

And last but not least, if you’re still curious about Halloween lore, take this QUIZ.