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The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the border between the living and human worlds became blurred — leading them to celebrate Samhain , a festival when they’d ward off the ghosts of the dead by lighting bonfires and dressing up in costumes.

The ancient tradition from 2,000 years ago eventually evolved into Halloween and is still celebrated on the same evening. And while the costumes remain, the purpose has definitely shifted towards candy and fright.

But for those who died on the holiday, perhaps the Celts had a point — and their journeys from here to the otherworld may have been more seamless.

Here are 10 notable names throughout history who died on October 31:

Harry Houdini (d. 1926)

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