For some, Halloween means scary movies and sweets. Others go all out with costumes, pumpkins and fake cobwebs.

Celebrated on October 31, it has roots in Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter.

People believed spirits returned that night and wore disguises and lit bonfires to ward them off.

The name came later, from All Hallows’ Eve — the night before All Saints’ Day on November 1.

These days, children in countries such as the United States go trick-or-treating, knocking on doors for sweets.

South Africans have also joined in, with dress-up parties and events for families.

You don’t need an elaborate outfit to take part. A sheet with two eyeholes still does the job.