Pagan origins
Ritual
Ceremonial acts tied to seasonal and spiritual beliefs.
Saint
Holy figure honored during Christian observances.
Folklore
Traditional stories and customs brought by immigrants.
Costume
Disguise worn during Halloween festivities.
Bonfire
Originally 'bone fire,' used to ward off spirits.
Martyr
Early Christian whose death was commemorated.
Adaptation
Transformation of old customs in a new cultural setting.
Family orientation
fun for the entire family
Ancestral
Honoring the dead and family spirits.
Sanctified
Made holy, often in contrast to pagan practices.
Revelry
party making
The thrill of the fright
that getting scared (temporarily) can feel good.
Pagan
Pre-Christian religious traditions.
All Saints’ Day
Christian celebration of saints on November 1st.
Oral Tradition
Passing down stories and customs by word of mouth.
Halloween
Modern celebration blending ancient and recent traditions.
Samhain
Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and beginning of winter.
All Hallows’ Eve
The night before All Saints’ Day.
Mumming
Folk performance tradition influencing Halloween customs.
Trick-or-treat
Contemporary version of souling and mumming.