Halloween, a holiday known for its costumes, candy and spooky decorations, has evolved significantly from its ancient Celtic roots. As it transformed into a commercialized extravaganza celebrated worldwide, it is essential to explore the origins of Halloween, the impact of Western culture and capitalism and question whether the holiday’s celebration pays adequate homage to its original culture.

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With the spread of Western consumerism, Halloween was seized upon as a prime opportunity for retail sales. It became a holiday of decorations and most notably, sweets. Supermarkets, party stores and costume shops now thrive during the Halloween season. This is how capitalists earn money. Films, television shows and literature have perpetuated the idea of Halloween as a night of fright, horror and playful mischief. This often distorts its historical and cultural context.