part 1
Ancient people whose traditions shaped early Halloween.
Celt
The night before All Saints’ Day.
All Hallows’ Eve
non-religious.
Secular
Modern celebration blending ancient and recent traditions.
Halloween
Honoring the dead and family spirits.
Ancestral
Originally 'bone fire,' used to ward off spirits.
Bonfire
Commemoration of the faithful departed.
All Souls’ Day
houses in which ghosts live or visit.
Haunted houses
Disguise worn during Halloween festivities.
Costume
Institution that redefined pagan festivals.
Church
Seeking knowledge of the future, often during Samhain.
Divination
Medieval practice of going door to door offering prayers.
Souling
Folk performance tradition influencing Halloween customs.
Mumming
Contemporary version of souling and mumming.
Trick-or-treat
Traditional stories and customs brought by immigrants.
Folklore
Protective rituals against malevolent forces.
Warding
Holy figure honored during Christian observances.
Saint
Local gatherings and celebrations.
Community
making buckets of money on sweets
The sweets industry
Seasonal theme central to both Celtic and American traditions.
Harvest
Pre-Christian religious traditions.
Pagan
Religious parade or ritual walk.
Procession
Transformation of old customs in a new cultural setting.
Adaptation
that getting scared (temporarily) can feel good.
The thrill of the fright
party making
Revelry