Halloween

  • Halloween

Halloween, short for All Hallows’ Evening, marks the night before the Western Christian feast of All Saints’ Day. Its roots trace back to the ancient Celtic festival Samhain, which celebrated the end of summer and the harvest, believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. Over time, Christian and pagan traditions merged, giving Halloween both secular and religious significance.

Adult men often view Halloween as a night for creative costumes, parties, and sometimes humorous or exaggerated displays of masculinity. The holiday offers an outlet to temporarily shed social norms—some find freedom in cross-dressing, parody, or embracing alter egos not otherwise expressed in daily life. For many, it’s as much about social reinvention as about scare or spectacle.

Among men, Halloween can also be a night of camaraderie and humor, fueled by parties and a chance to act silly or outrageous without judgment. In some circles, there’s joking about the “sexy” costume tradition or the freedom to be playful with identity, which can both reinforce and subvert traditional ideas of masculinity. For some adult men, it’s also a season to reflect on deeper themes, such as mortality (“memento mori”) and remembering lost friends or ancestors, especially for those with connections to queer or spiritual communities.

Halloween has historically been a rare night when queer people could express themselves freely—often wearing clothing or adopting personas that might not have been acceptable in daily life. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century, when “cross-dressing” was illegal in many places but temporarily overlooked on Halloween due to its costume-friendly context. Drag balls and costume parties soon became beloved queer spaces, offering community, safety, and a chance to celebrate identities openly without fear. For many, Halloween is celebrated as the ultimate queer holiday, filled with self-discovery, fun, and genuine community affirmation.