(WHTM) — When you think of Halloween, you probably think of jack-o-lanterns, spooky movies, and trick-or-treaters. But there may be something else that comes to mind that many people relate to the holiday: the colors orange and black.

Traditional Halloween colors are rooted in ancient Celtic harvest festivals, with Orange and Black remaining the primary palette. Orange represents the autumn harvest, changing leaves, and the warmth of a fire, while Black signifies the "death of summer," darkness, and the mysterious veil between the living and the spirit world. In modern 2026 celebrations, Purple and Green have become staple secondary colors; Purple is associated with magic, mysticism, and the supernatural, while Green is often linked to "monsters," witches, and eerie, glowing swamp-like atmospheres. Red is also frequently used to symbolize more intense "horror" themes like blood or vampires. For those attending "family-friendly" events, wearing these colors in patterns like stripes or polka dots is a popular way to stay festive without needing a full costume, effectively blending tradition with modern holiday fashion.