'Tis now the very witching time of night, when churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out contagion to this world. (William Shakespeare)

In Britain, the major public holiday used to be Guy Fawkes Day... that was celebrated on November 5th with things like bonfires and fireworks... I think that made Halloween seem preferable. The idea of having pumpkins and costumes and parties seemed much more appealing than burning down your neighbourhood. (Lisa Morton)