Halloween, traditionally celebrated on the 31st October, is considered to be the 'spookiest' night of the year. The term is actually a contraction of All Hallow's eve - the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Saints' Day. Originating in the Celtic areas of Britain, it was adapted over the centuries: Gaels believed that Halloween was the time when the world of the living and the world of the dead merged, allowing spirits to pass through and join the mortals.

The capital is busy with celebrations every year, with events ranging from a 'spooky' tour of London Zoo to the famous 'fright nights' at Thorpe Park. Houses are covered with decorations, carved pumpkins placed at most doorsteps, cutouts of skeletons stood up in the driveways. Children, dressed up as witches and ghosts and laden with sweets, shout with excitement on buses throughout the city. But why is this an event that we continue to celebrate? Local father Steve Baldwin says that "Halloween doesn't have the meaning it should have. I think it has become a derivative of the American celebration, not representative of the eve of All Saints' Day, especially in South West London where there's more money to be spent." Student Alex Baldwin says that in his opinion, 'Halloween is the night you're most likely to be killed': a fact that proves to be true, as crime rates generally spike at this time of year. 


This rather negative outlook doesn't seem to affect the Halloween enthusiasts in London - there is still much to enjoy. Walking through the streets of the city, there is an upbeat and exciting atmosphere. Who doesn't love to dress up?
 

Katerina von Behr, Esher College