The Tradition of Halloween dates back to the 5^th century BC, in Britain and Ireland. During that time, the holiday was referred to as Samhain. The Celtics practiced this holiday, because it marked the New Year of their calendar. The term "Halloween" comes from the word "All Hollows Day", which is a day of Observance in honor of the Catholic Saints, which occurs on November 1.

There are two stories associated with trick-or-treating. In one story, the spirits would emerge from their graves and wonder back to their former homes. In order for the villagers to protect themselves, they would often give treats to please the spirits of the undead. If the spirit becomes satisfied with the treat, it would return back to the grave leaving the current occupants undisturbed.

In the second story, the spirit would emerge from the grave, and try to possess a human body. If by chance an unfortunate victim does get possessed, the possession becomes permanent. In order to defend themselves from the spirits, villagers would extinguish candles within their homes, to make it cold and undesirable. Next, villagers would dress up in costumes, or cover themselves with dirt and parade around the village screaming and destroying property. By doing this, it is believed to frighten away evil spirits searching for bodies to possess.

Richmond

Gainse Mill Battlefield - The eerie sounds of dying soldiers can still be heard today. The last the last known soldier was found here in 1991. Located near Hwy 156, southwest of Richmond

Governor's Mansion - The friendly spirit of a woman is known to haunt hte stairway inside the mansion. Located off Lakeside Avenue, downtown.

Hawes House - The spirit of a woman wearing grey has been spotted haunting this house. Located at 506 East Leigh Street, 23219.

Hollywood Cemetery - An old cemetary that has presidents buried their. More than 18,000 people are buried, and sometimes moaning sounds come from certain graves. Also, the image of a cast-iron dog has been seen at the grave of a little girl who used to play with it. Sometimes the sounds of barking dogs are heard at the grave where they were interred with their former master. Located on Cherry Street South, 23220. Phone: 804-648-8501.

Manchester Rescue Squad Building - Evil spirits are known to haunt this building. Sounds of doors slamming and drummings within the wall are common. Located at 3213 Broad Rock Road, 23224.

Queen Anne Cottage - Unknown footsteps are heard within this building. Located off Hwy 600, near Tuckahoe Plantation.

Reveille House - There are several reported Visiting Human Spirits in this old house turned church. Located behind the Reveille Methodist Church, Cary Street Road, 23220.

State Capitol Building - The eerie sounds of crying and moaning seems to come from the walls. Located off Mechanicsville Turnpike in east-central Richmond.

Talavera - An unknown spirit haunts this building. Many believe it is the Spirit of Edgar Allan Poe. Located at 2315 West Grace Street, 23220.