Historians say variously that the Middle Ages ended with the fall of Constantinople, in 1453; with the discovery of America, in 1492; or with the beginning of the Reformation, in 1517. A New Empire In The West. The Early Middle Ages, 500-1000.
Halloween's Origins. The word Halloween is derived from the term, All Hallows Eve, which occurred on Oct. 31. All Saints Day or All Hallows Day was the next Day, Nov. 1st. Therefore, Halloween is the eve of All Saints Day. Some say that the origins of Halloween can be traced back to ancient Ireland and Scotland around the time of Christ. On Oct. 31st the Celts celebrated the day because it was when animal herders would move their animals into barns and pens and prepare to ride out the winter. This was also the time of the crop harvests.
The holiday began being called Halloween because the Catholic church created All Saints Day (or All Hallows Day) on November 1st, in an attempt to turn people away from the original Pagan holiday. The night before became known as All Hallows Eve, which then got shortened up to Halloween.