* Celtic Origins: The earliest influences come from the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"). This was a harvest festival celebrated by the Celts in Ireland, Britain, and northern France around November 1st. It marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter, and they believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead blurred on this night.
* Christian Influence: As Christianity spread, November 1st became All Saints' Day, honoring all Christian saints. This was followed by All Souls' Day on November 2nd, a day to commemorate the dead.
* Modern Halloween: The modern Halloween we know emerged as a fusion of these traditions. As immigrants from Europe brought their customs to North America, Halloween evolved into a secular celebration, focusing on fun, costumes, and trick-or-treating.
So, while there isn't a single creator, Halloween is a fascinating example of how different cultures and traditions blend and change over time.