Sheriff Ryals and all of us at Faulkner County Sheriff's Office wish you a safe and happy Halloween! While most people know the traditions of Halloween such as trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, and wearing costumes, many do not know the origins. According to the Library of Congress, Halloween traces its roots to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was a pagan religious celebration to welcome the end of summer harvest. During this celebration, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor saints. Soon after, All Saints Day came to incorporate some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows Eve, and later, Halloween.

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