Halloween
Halloween History: While our modern celebration of Halloween still bears traces of its Celtic origins, it has come down to us for the most part as a cross-cultural stew of folk traditions. Visit the sites below to explore the history and lore of this unusual holiday, from ancient beliefs to contemporary urban legends.
FAQ: Halloween History and Customs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Halloween: Why do we wear costumes and go trick-or-treating? What does the name "Halloween" mean? What was the origin of bobbing for apples? Why do we carve pumpkins on Halloween?
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Halloween: Why do we wear costumes and go trick-or-treating? What does the name "Halloween" mean? What was the origin of bobbing for apples? Why do we carve pumpkins on Halloween?
All Saints' Day
From The Catholic Encyclopedia, the Church's perspective on the history and spiritual meaning of the holiday secularly known as Halloween.
From The Catholic Encyclopedia, the Church's perspective on the history and spiritual meaning of the holiday secularly known as Halloween.
Apples and Razor Blades
In this Salon magazine feature, sociologist Joel Best pokes holes in myths of Halloween mayhem and delves into their history and rationale.
In this Salon magazine feature, sociologist Joel Best pokes holes in myths of Halloween mayhem and delves into their history and rationale.
Day of the Dead
El día de los muertos, a fiesta observed in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking cultures Nov. 1 which shares some of its history and roots with Halloween.
El día de los muertos, a fiesta observed in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking cultures Nov. 1 which shares some of its history and roots with Halloween.
The Fantasy and Folklore of All Hallows
A concise overview of Halloween history, beliefs and customs from the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. Written by Jack Santino.
A concise overview of Halloween history, beliefs and customs from the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. Written by Jack Santino.
Halloween Facts from the U.S. Census
Did you know that the first recorded Halloween celebration in the United States took place in 1921? That nearly a billion pumpkins are grown in the U.S. annually, nearly half of those in Illinois alone? About.com's U.S. Government Info Guide Robert Longley sorts the data on our most unusual holiday.
Did you know that the first recorded Halloween celebration in the United States took place in 1921? That nearly a billion pumpkins are grown in the U.S. annually, nearly half of those in Illinois alone? About.com's U.S. Government Info Guide Robert Longley sorts the data on our most unusual holiday.
Halloween History: What's Behind Halloween
Lengthy and very informative Washington Post article on the origin and history of Halloween beliefs and customs.
Lengthy and very informative Washington Post article on the origin and history of Halloween beliefs and customs.
Halloween Warning - Candy-Flavored Meth
Circulating via email, a 'Halloween Warning' urging parents to instruct their children to beware of a new form of crystal meth that looks and smells like strawberry Pop Rocks candy and comes in other flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and cola.
Circulating via email, a 'Halloween Warning' urging parents to instruct their children to beware of a new form of crystal meth that looks and smells like strawberry Pop Rocks candy and comes in other flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and cola.
History Channel: The History of Halloween
"In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers, than about ghosts, pranks, and witchcraft. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day."
"In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers, than about ghosts, pranks, and witchcraft. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day."
History and Customs of Halloween
Did you know jack-o'-lanterns were originally made from turnips? Halloween history with all the trimmings.
Did you know jack-o'-lanterns were originally made from turnips? Halloween history with all the trimmings.
How Halloween Works
From HowStuffWorks.com, an excellent, wide-ranging survey of Halloween history, customs and folklore.
From HowStuffWorks.com, an excellent, wide-ranging survey of Halloween history, customs and folklore.
Is Halloween a Satanic Holiday?
About.com poll: Some people insist Halloween is a Satanic holiday and that celebrating it is tantamount to devil-worship. Do you agree? Let your voice be heard.
About.com poll: Some people insist Halloween is a Satanic holiday and that celebrating it is tantamount to devil-worship. Do you agree? Let your voice be heard.
The Malleus Maleficarum
The real deal: text of the original 1484 witch-hunters' handbook, translated from the Latin. For aficionados of Halloween lore, more than just a historical curiousity.
The real deal: text of the original 1484 witch-hunters' handbook, translated from the Latin. For aficionados of Halloween lore, more than just a historical curiousity.
No One Wants to Die
Traditional folktales about aging, death and dying.
Traditional folktales about aging, death and dying.
Origin of the Jack-O'-Lantern
"Traditionally, the lantern was carved from a turnip, potato, or beet and lit with a burning lump of coal or a candle. These lanterns represented the souls of the departed loved ones and were placed in windows or set on porches to welcome the deceased."
"Traditionally, the lantern was carved from a turnip, potato, or beet and lit with a burning lump of coal or a candle. These lanterns represented the souls of the departed loved ones and were placed in windows or set on porches to welcome the deceased."
The Page of the Dead
Tombstones of the rich & famous, plus a few notorious burial legends.
Tombstones of the rich & famous, plus a few notorious burial legends.
Psychic Predicts Halloween Campus Massacre
Resurrected urban legend about a psychic predicting mass murders at a major university on Halloween night brings terror to U.S. college campuses.
Resurrected urban legend about a psychic predicting mass murders at a major university on Halloween night brings terror to U.S. college campuses.
Staking Claims: Vampires in Folklore and Fiction
A healthy dose of garlic from The Skeptical Inquirer.
A healthy dose of garlic from The Skeptical Inquirer.
Vampire and Ghost Stories from Russia
Five chilling folktales from the Old Country selected and retold by D. L. Ashliman.
Five chilling folktales from the Old Country selected and retold by D. L. Ashliman.
Werewolf Legends from Germany
From original sources, a fine collection of traditional werewolf lore, including a few rare tales by the Brothers Grimm.
From original sources, a fine collection of traditional werewolf lore, including a few rare tales by the Brothers Grimm.
Witch Folklore
More traditional folktales retold by D. L. Ashliman. It's fascinating and instructive to compare these depictions of witches and witchcraft with those in modern popular culture.
More traditional folktales retold by D. L. Ashliman. It's fascinating and instructive to compare these depictions of witches and witchcraft with those in modern popular culture.