Is Halloween a pagan holiday? No. It is 100% Catholic.
- Hallow: Holy (as in "Hallowed be thy name").
- Een: Evening (as in "Christmas Eve").
The Roots
Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day to November 1. The night before (Oct 31) became the vigil.
Why Skeletons?
It is Memento Mori (Remember you will die). Catholics aren't afraid of death because Christ conquered it. We mock death by dressing up like it. As St. Paul said: "O Death, where is your sting?"
Why "Trick or Treat"?
In medieval England, poor people ("soulers") went door-to-door on All Hallows Eve begging for "Soul Cakes." In exchange, they promised to pray for the family's dead relatives in Purgatory. "A soul cake, a soul cake, have mercy on all Christian souls for a soul cake!"
The Jack-o-Lantern
Irish Catholics carved turnips (later pumpkins) with scary faces to ward off evil spirits. It is a symbol of the light of Christ driving away darkness.
Reclaim the night. Light a candle for the holy souls on the MyPrayerTower app.