Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween from Bellaire/SW Houston Rotarians!  Pictured are Ed Burdzindki's three children, Amy, Anastasia, and James Andrew enjoying a pumpkin festival, and at right, Ray Burgert's granddaughter, Auden, is ready to go in her witch costume.  According to the History Channel, Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.
 
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later shortened to simply, 'Halloween'. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats. Reportedly, a third of all candy sold in the US is sold for Halloween. Click for MORE INFORMATION.