GHOSTS and ghouls, superheroes and film characters, it’s Halloween.

The pumpkins are carved, Jack-o’-lanterns are out, trick or treating will be underway after school and scary costumes are on for All Hallows Eve.

Whilst more about the candy and costumes these days, the festival had its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was a time when the new year was believed to begin and souls of those who had died returned to visit their home, whilst those who had passed during the year journeyed to the otherworld.

When the Romans conquered the Celts they added Feralia and Pomona festivals. A commemoration of the passing of the dead and the goddess of the harvest.

Whilst there is a history of masks being worn to frighten away evil spirits, it’s also a time of celebrating the harvest and observing All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).

For those looking to trick or treat around Wonthaggi, Dalyston, Cape Paterson, Inverloch, San Remo and even out to Tarwin Lower visit Halloween Trick or Treating Wonthaggi and Surrounding Areas on Facebook for a list of homes participating, publishing at 3pm. For other areas check out your local community group pages as a starting point.

Have a ghostly time!