Pagan origins
Originally 'bone fire,' used to ward off spirits.
Bonfire
Holy figure honored during Christian observances.
Saint
Seasonal theme central to both Celtic and American traditions.
Harvest
Disguise worn during Halloween festivities.
Costume
Protective rituals against malevolent forces.
Warding
Religious parade or ritual walk.
Procession
Traditional stories and customs brought by immigrants.
Folklore
Modern celebration blending ancient and recent traditions.
Halloween
Celtic priest involved in rituals and seasonal festivals.
Druid
Made holy, often in contrast to pagan practices.
Sanctified
party making
Revelry
that getting scared (temporarily) can feel good.
The thrill of the fright
Ancient people whose traditions shaped early Halloween
Celt
Small cake given in exchange for prayers for the dead.
Soul Cake
Folk performance tradition influencing Halloween customs.
Mumming
making buckets of money on sweets
The sweets industry
Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and beginning of winter.
Samhain
Christian celebration of saints on November 1st.
All Saints’ Day
non-religious
Secular
Contemporary version of souling and mumming.
Trick-or-treat