The Real Truth Behind Halloween: Unveiling Origins

Halloween is celebrated on Oct. 31st¹ and is one of the oldest traditions. It connects the living with the dead. It comes from ancient Celtic traditions, especially the Samhain festival in Ireland¹.

This holiday marked the end of summer and the start of winter. It was seen as a time of change.

In the United States, Halloween is a big deal for all ages. It’s about being creative and coming together². Even though it has ancient roots, modern Halloween is more recent. It became a big commercial event in the 1950s³.

Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating have deep histories. They come from the Celts and medieval Europe²³. As we look into Halloween’s history, we’ll see how it has changed over time.

Key Takeaways

• Halloween has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions, particularly the festival of Samhain in Ireland.
• The observance evolved from Celtic rituals marking the transition from summer to winter.
• Halloween is a significant cultural event in the United States, focusing on creativity and community engagement.
• Trick-or-treating evolved from medieval European customs of offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food.
• The commercialization and kid-friendly transformation of Halloween primarily occurred in the 1950s.

Ancient Celtic Roots of Halloween

Halloween’s origins go back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated over 2,000 years ago⁴. Samhain, meaning “summer’s end,” marked the end of harvest and the start of the Celtic New Year on November 1st⁵. The Celts thought this time, the veil between worlds was thinnest, letting spirits meet the living.

Samhain Festival: Marking the End of Harvest Season

The Samhain festival was key in the Celtic calendar, marking harvest’s end and winter’s start. The Celts lit bonfires and made offerings to gods for a good harvest next year. They also played games like bobbing for apples, a fortune-telling game on All Hallows’ Eve³.

Honoring the Dead and Communicating with Spirits

Samhain was also about honoring the dead and talking to spirits. The Celts believed their ancestors’ spirits came back, and they welcomed them with food and drink. This tradition of offering food to the dead started 2,000 years ago during Samhain⁵.

In Scotland and Ireland, young people dressed up in costumes and went from house to house, asking for treats. This tradition evolved into trick-or-treating, a big part of Halloween today. The Celtic roots of Halloween have shaped many of our holiday traditions.

Christianization of Pagan Traditions

As Christianity spread across Europe, the Church tried to mix pagan traditions with its own holidays. This move, called christianization, made it easier for people to switch to the new faith⁶. A key example is All Saints’ Day on November 1st, started by Pope Boniface IV to honor early Roman martyrs⁶.

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day

Pope Gregory III later made All Saints’ Day a celebration for all saints, not just martyrs⁶. He placed it on November 1st, right when the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain ended the harvest season⁷⁸. This move was to Christianize the pagan festival and offer a new way to celebrate.

Then, the Church created All Souls’ Day on November 2nd to honor the souls of the dead. This day has roots in the Celtic belief that Samhain was a time when souls of the dead met the living⁸.

Blending of Celtic and Christian Practices

As Christianity spread in Celtic lands, some old traditions were kept in the new Christian holidays⁶. For instance, wearing costumes on Halloween came from Samhain’s spirit protection⁶. Also, the early trick-or-treating was about exchanging prayers for small cakes during All Saints’ Day⁶⁸.

But, the Church also pushed away some old practices, while keeping others⁶. This mix of Celtic and Christian traditions made Halloween what it is today. It combines the old Samhain festival with the Christian days of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day⁶.

Samhain Rituals and Beliefs

The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain was a time of deep spiritual significance. It was one of four “fire festivals” between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice⁹. The Celts practiced rituals that laid the foundation for today’s Halloween customs, like trick-or-treating and costume wearing.

Bonfires and Bone Fires

Bonfires were central to Samhain celebrations. They served both practical and spiritual purposes. The Celts would stock up supplies, slaughter cattle, and dispose of bones in bonfires¹⁰.

These “bone fires” are now known as bonfires. The Celts lit home hearths with torches from a communal bonfire⁹. This symbolized the connection between the community and sacred flames.

Guising: Disguising Oneself from Spirits

Guising was a key Samhain ritual. It involved darkening one’s face with bonfire ashes to deceive spirits. This practice evolved into wearing masks and costumes, a tradition in modern Halloween.

The tradition of Halloween costumes came from disguising oneself in animal skins during Samhain celebrations⁹. By disguising themselves, the Celts believed they could protect themselves from malevolent spirits.

“A living person could recognize the spirit of a loved one and reveal themselves but otherwise remain safe from the unwanted attention of darker forces.”

The table below summarizes the key elements of Samhain rituals and their modern Halloween counterparts:

Samhain Ritual	Modern Halloween Tradition
Bonfires	Jack-o’-lanterns and candles
Guising	Costumes and masks
Offerings to spirits	Trick-or-treating

The Samhain rituals of bonfires and guising were rooted in the Celtic belief in a permeable veil between the living and the dead. Rituals involved offerings to appease spirits and protect the living⁹. These practices, born out of honoring the dead and navigating the spiritual world, have evolved into the beloved Halloween traditions we know today.

The Thin Veil Between the Living and the Dead

October 31st, as the Celts believed, is when the living and dead are closest¹¹. This time, from mid-September to November, sees more ghostly activity and psychic powers¹¹. Those open to spiritual energy or have psychic gifts might feel more intuitive or see spirits more often¹¹.

In the northern hemisphere’s darker months, especially around Halloween, hauntings are more common¹¹. Spirits need less energy to show themselves in the dark¹¹. Halloween and occult practices make this energy even stronger¹¹.

The Celts, who lived over 2,000 years ago, saw Samhain as their New Year’s Eve, marking the end of harvest¹². The first Samhain records were in 1st century B.C.E. France¹². Today, Ireland still celebrates Samhain, with bonfires at the heart of the festivities¹².

The thin veil between the worlds of the living and the dead allows not only departed loved ones to cross over but also elves, fairies, sprites, and dark energies to make an appearance.

This time allows the spirit world to meet ours, enabling communication and interaction¹¹. But, it also means we might meet spirits we’ve wronged, so caution is key¹¹.

Halloween traditions have grown, keeping the thin veil belief alive. In the U.S., Samhain traditions blend with others like Pomona day and Mexican Day of the Dead, shaping Halloween¹². Modern Wiccans also observe Samhain¹².

Jack-o’-Lanterns: A Halloween Icon

The jack-o’-lantern is a key symbol of Halloween. It’s a carved pumpkin with a candle inside. This tradition comes from ancient Celtic times, where people carved scary faces into turnips for Samhain¹³.

When Irish immigrants brought Halloween to North America in the mid-19th century, pumpkins became the go-to for carving. They were bigger and easier to carve than turnips¹³¹⁴.

Origins of Carved Pumpkins

The story of the jack-o’-lantern starts with Stingy Jack, a trickster from Irish folklore. He tricked the Devil and was never allowed into Heaven or Hell. He roamed the Earth with a turnip lantern, which later became the jack-o’-lantern inspired by this mythical trickster.

Warding Off Evil Spirits

Jack-o’-lanterns were not just for fun. They were believed to keep evil spirits away. The Celts thought Samhain was a time when spirits could easily cross over from the dead to the living. They carved scary faces into turnips to protect their homes¹³.

Traditional Jack-o’-Lanterns	Modern Jack-o’-Lanterns
Carved from turnips, potatoes, or beets	Carved from pumpkins
Featured simple, scary faces	Often showcase intricate designs and artistic skill
Used to ward off evil spirits	Primarily serve as festive decorations

Over time, jack-o’-lanterns have become more elaborate. Some people spend hours carving them. Today, they’re a big part of Halloween, showing the holiday’s spirit¹³. They guide lost souls and welcome trick-or-treaters¹³.

Trick-or-Treating: From Souling to Modern Times

The tradition of trick-or-treating has its roots in souling from the Middle Ages. Souling was when the poor would go door-to-door, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes¹⁵. By the sixteenth century, it became a key part of All Hallows’ Eve for the less fortunate¹⁶.

Souling: Praying for the Dead in Exchange for Soul Cakes

Souling was tied to the belief that Samhain opened a door between worlds. The poor would visit homes, praying for the souls of the dead in exchange for soul cakes, a small pastry. This tradition lasted even after the Protestant Reformation, with Protestants praying for the living and Catholics for those in purgatory¹⁷.

“Souling, the ancient relative of trick-or-treating, involved the poor going from door to door offering prayers to dead relatives in exchange for soul cakes.” – CNN study¹⁵

Evolution of Trick-or-Treating Tradition

Halloween traditions came to the United States with Irish farmers fleeing the potato famine in the 19th century. They settled in what is now Maryland, changing souling into trick-or-treating¹⁵. The mass migration from Ireland in the 1840s also influenced All Hallows’ Eve in the United States¹⁶.

Today, trick-or-treating is a big part of Halloween, with kids in costumes asking for treats. A CNN study found that 70% of Americans celebrate Halloween, with trick-or-treating a favorite activity¹⁵. Halloween’s journey from Celtic origins to American celebrations shows how cultures adapt and blend over time¹⁷¹⁵.

Tradition	Origin	Description
Souling	Middle Ages	The poor offering prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes
Trick-or-Treating	19th century United States	Children dressing up in costumes and asking for treats door-to-door

Halloween Superstitions and Beliefs

Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain. Communities wore scary costumes during bonfires to keep spirits away¹⁸. This tradition of carving turnips into scary faces evolved into pumpkin lanterns³.

Many old superstitions still exist today. Bobbing for apples was a game in the 19th century. It showed who a woman’s future husband would be³. The orange and black colors of Halloween symbolize crops and death, showing the season’s importance¹⁸.

Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to America in the 18th and 19th centuries¹⁹. They introduced games and costumes that are still enjoyed today¹⁸.

The veil between the world of the living and the realm of the dead was believed to be at its thinnest on Halloween night, allowing spirits to cross over and walk among the living.

The haunted attraction industry started in the 20th century. It offers spooky experiences like haunted houses and corn mazes³. Today, 40 million trick-or-treaters celebrate in the United States, showing how popular these traditions are¹⁸.

Some common Halloween superstitions and fortune telling practices include:

• Reading tea leaves or coffee grounds
• Gazing into mirrors in darkened rooms
• Walking backwards down stairs at midnight while holding a candle and a hand mirror
• Placing apple peels over one’s shoulder to reveal a future lover’s initial

Despite efforts to change Halloween, like Chicago’s “Conservation Day” in 1942¹⁹ or “Youth Honor Day” in 1950¹⁹, it remains a holiday steeped in ancient rituals. Halloween candy and costume sales reached $300 million in 1965¹⁹. Today, halloween superstitions and celebrations continue to fascinate people worldwide, connecting us to the past’s eerie traditions.

Influence of Guy Fawkes Day on Halloween

The impact of Guy Fawkes Day on Halloween is significant. The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 aimed to kill King James I and bring back Catholic rule in England. This led to Guy Fawkes Day on November 5th, marked by burning effigies and bonfires²⁰.

Originally, Guy Fawkes Day was celebrated after his execution in 1606²⁰. In England, kids carry effigies and ask for money while trick-or-treating. This is similar to Halloween’s trick-or-treating. In Northern Ireland and Canada, some have toned down the holiday to reduce anti-Catholic feelings²¹.

Anti-Catholic Sentiments and Effigy Burning

In England, Guy Fawkes Day is marked by burning effigies and fireworks²⁰. These activities are similar to Halloween’s bonfires and fireworks in many countries²⁰. In the 17th century, young men and boys carried straw figures for the bonfire²².

In 1685, over two hundred people celebrated with a fire in New England²². Americans once celebrated “Pope’s Day” in Boston, burning effigies of the Pope²¹. The movie “V for Vendetta” made Guy Fawkes a symbol for protests in the 21st century²¹.

Halloween has evolved, taking traditions from other celebrations. For example, it has elements from Mexico’s Day of the Dead²¹. In Mexico, Latin America, and Spain, All Souls’ Day is celebrated from October 31 to November 2²⁰.

Halloween’s Journey to North America

The British brought Halloween traditions to North America, shaped over centuries. These traditions trace back to ancient Celtic festivals like Samhain, dating to around 2,000 years ago²³. However, in the New World, Halloween faced opposition from the Puritans of New England.

The Puritans, with their strict religious views, saw Halloween as a pagan holiday. They believed it clashed with their Christian values and tried to stop it²⁴. They wanted a community free from what they saw as superstition and idolatry.

Puritans’ Resistance to Pagan-Associated Holidays

The Puritans opposed Halloween because of its traditions, like costumes and divination. They saw these as pagan rituals²⁴. They feared these practices would corrupt morals and lead people away from true faith.

Puritan Beliefs	Halloween Traditions
Strict adherence to Christian values	Origins in pagan Celtic festivals like Samhain
Rejection of superstitious practices	Costumes, divination, and bonfires
Emphasis on maintaining a pure and godly community	Perceived as a threat to religious convictions

Despite the Puritans’ efforts, Halloween survived and evolved in America. New immigrants brought their traditions, making Halloween more secular and festive. It became a time for costumes, trick-or-treating, and community events²³.

Today, Halloween is widely celebrated in America, despite some religious reservations. Its journey here shows how religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and societal changes have shaped the nation.

The Real Truth Behind Halloween: Unveiling Origins

Halloween is celebrated on Oct. 31st and has a long history¹. It started about 2,000 years ago with the Celtic festival of Samhain²⁵. The Celts thought Samhain was when spirits could easily move between worlds.

As Christianity spread, Samhain’s traditions mixed with All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. This mix created the Halloween we know today. The first Halloween costumes came from Samhain in Ireland, where people wore disguises to avoid evil spirits¹.

Dressing up in costumes grew more common over time. Masquerade balls and costumed events became popular in Europe, especially in Italy and France¹. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought these traditions to America, making costumes a big part of Halloween celebrations¹.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Halloween was a big event in America¹. The holiday became more commercial, offering many different costumes¹. Now, people love making their own costumes, sharing ideas on social media¹.

Interestingly, people search for “Halloween origin” about 8,100 times a month²⁶. But “Halloween satanic origins” is searched only about 90 times a month²⁶. Searches for “is Halloween satanic” and similar questions are also much lower²⁶.

Through the ages, various supernatural entities— including fairies and witches—came to be associated with Halloween²⁵.

Trick-or-treating started in the U.S. during World War II²⁵. But playing tricks on Halloween was common in the U.S. and Canada by the late 1800s²⁵. Halloween became a children’s holiday by the mid-20th century²⁵.

Halloween’s journey from ancient Celtic roots to today’s holiday is fascinating. By exploring its origins, we appreciate the traditions and beliefs that make Halloween so special.

Modern Halloween Celebrations

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st and is loved by millions around the world². In 2023, it falls on a Tuesday, October 31st, and excitement is growing². The name “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the night before All Hallows’ Day².

Today’s Halloween celebrations mix old traditions with new ones. We see costumes, pumpkin carving, and spooky decorations. These activities connect us to the Celtic festival of Samhain²⁷.

Costumes, Parties, and Trick-or-Treating

Dressing up in costumes is a big part of Halloween. People of all ages love to become their favorite characters or monsters. Costume parties and themed events are where friends and family come together for fun and treats.

Trick-or-treating has a long history, starting in medieval Europe². In the U.S., it became popular in the 1950s. Now, millions of kids go out in costume, collecting candy and treats²⁷.

Commercialization of the Holiday

Halloween has become more commercial over the years. Businesses make a lot of money from costumes, decorations, and candy in October². You can find everything from spooky decorations to elaborate costumes for kids and adults.

Candy is a big part of Halloween. Kids collect all sorts of sweets from neighbors and friends. Favorites include candy corn, chocolate bars, and gummies². Candy apples, once a way to preserve fruit, are now a favorite treat²⁸.

The commercial side of Halloween has also brought about haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and other events. Some say it takes away from the holiday’s true meaning. Yet, it has made Halloween even more popular and exciting each year²²⁷.

Halloween Around the World

While Halloween is often linked to the United States, it’s celebrated differently around the world. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a colorful celebration. In Romania, you can find Dracula-themed tours. Each country brings its own twist to Halloween.

Ireland’s Festive Halloween Traditions

In Ireland, Halloween is a big deal. The night sky lights up with fireworks. People enjoy treats like monkey nuts and barnbrack, a fruitcake with surprises inside²⁹²⁹.

The Samhain Festival in Dublin is a highlight. It runs from October 26th to 31st. You can take a gravedigger’s tour and enjoy a storytelling supper²⁹²⁹.

Mexico’s Day of the Dead

Mexico’s Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, honors ancestors. It’s celebrated with skull masks and altars. These altars have flowers, candles, and food for the dead²⁹²⁹.

The Festival Cultural de Calaveras in Aguascalientes is a big event. It runs from October 28th to November 6th. You can see death-themed art, theater, music, and food²⁹²⁹.

Romania’s Dracula-Themed Halloween

In Romania, Halloween is a big draw for Dracula fans²⁹²⁹. Tours in Transylvania focus on vampire haunts. They explore the real-life Dracula in Wallachia²⁹.

Halloween in the United States

In the United States, Halloween is all about fun. There are costume parties, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and even Punkin Chunkin²⁹. The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is famous for its Terror Behind the Walls haunted house. It attracts thousands every year²⁹²⁹.

Country	Celebration	Unique Traditions
Ireland	Halloween	Fireworks, monkey nuts, barnbrack fruitcake, Samhain Festival
Mexico	Day of the Dead	Honoring ancestors, skull masks, altars, Festival Cultural de Calaveras
Romania	Halloween	Dracula-themed tours, vampire haunts
United States	Halloween	Costume parties, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, Punkin Chunkin

Despite the differences, all these Halloween celebrations share a common thread. They all explore the mysterious and the spirit world. As Halloween spreads, its allure knows no borders.

Debunking Halloween Myths and Misconceptions

Halloween is filled with history and tradition, but it’s also had its share of myths. Many think it’s about devil worship or satanic practices. But, this is not true. Halloween’s roots come from ancient Celtic traditions, like Samhain, which marked the end of harvest and the start of winter³⁰.

The Celts believed Samhain was when the living and dead were closest. They lit bonfires and performed rituals to honor the dead and seek their wisdom³⁰. These acts were not about evil but a deep respect for life and death.

Another myth is that black cats are evil or bring bad luck. This started in the Middle Ages, when black cats were seen as witches’ friends³¹. The fear of witches in the 16th and 17th centuries made this belief worse. But, in many cultures, black cats are seen as lucky and protective³¹.

Many believe Halloween candy is often poisoned. But, there’s only one case of someone poisoning candy, in 1974. Ronald Clark O’Bryan killed his son by lacing Pixy Stix with cyanide³². This is the only known case of Halloween candy tampering, found by sociologist Joel Best over nearly three decades³².

It’s important to know the real history of Halloween to separate myths from facts. By clearing up these myths, we can truly enjoy this ancient festival and its pagan practices. Halloween is a time to honor nature’s cycles, remember the dead, and celebrate tradition in our lives³⁰.

Conclusion

Halloween, with ancient roots in Celtic traditions, has grown into a huge industry. It now brings in billions of dollars each year, showing its big economic impact³³. The holiday’s customs, like trick-or-treating and carving jack-o’-lanterns, have changed a lot over time³³.

Carving turnips in Ireland turned into using pumpkins in North America. This shows how Halloween traditions have adapted³³³⁴.

Costumes have become a big part of Halloween, with many different choices. This change, along with more events for adults, shows how the holiday appeals to more people now³³. Haunted houses, for example, are now a big hit, drawing in thousands of visitors every year³⁴.

Decorating homes and yards for Halloween comes from the Gaelic festival of Samhain. This shows how ancient Celtic traditions still influence our celebrations today³⁴. Halloween lights have also changed, from bonfires to modern setups with string lights and LEDs³⁴.

DIY Halloween decor projects let people save money and make their decorations unique. This adds a special touch to homes and parties³⁴. Learning about Halloween’s rich history helps us understand its lasting appeal and importance.

FAQ

What are the origins of Halloween?

Halloween started with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It marked the end of harvest and the start of winter. The Celts thought this time was when spirits could easily move between worlds.

How did Halloween become associated with Christianity?

As Christianity spread, the church tried to change old traditions. Pope Gregory III moved All Saint’s Day to November 1st. This was to make Samhain, or All Hallows’ Eve, more Christian.

What is the significance of jack-o’-lanterns?

The Celts used carved pumpkins to keep evil spirits away. Now, jack-o’-lanterns are a key part of Halloween.

How did trick-or-treating originate?

Trick-or-treating started with “souling” in the 16th century. Poor people would ask for soul cakes in exchange for prayers. Over time, it turned into kids getting candy in costumes.

Is Halloween celebrated only in the United States?

No, Halloween is celebrated worldwide. In Mexico, there’s the Day of the Dead, honoring loved ones. Many places celebrate the bond between the living and the dead.

Are the myths about Halloween being tied to devil worship true?

No, it’s a common myth. Halloween comes from old pagan traditions, not evil. The devil worship link is a newer idea, not based on Halloween’s true origins.

How has Halloween evolved over time?

Halloween has changed a lot. It mixed pagan, Christian, and modern customs. Now, it’s known for costumes, parties, and trick-or-treating.

Source Links

More Articles

1. Unveiling the History of Halloween Costumes – UVU REVIEW – https://www.uvureview.com/valley-life/unveiling-the-history-of-halloween-costumes/
2. Understanding the True History and Traditions of Halloween – https://www.candyretailer.com/blog/understanding-the-history-and-traditions-of-halloween/
3. The History of Halloween and Its Traditions – HauntPay – https://hauntpay.com/2023/10/the-history-of-halloween-and-its-traditions/
4. Why do we celebrate Halloween? History, origin and meaning – https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/2007105/halloween-why-origin-history-meaning/
5. Halloween and its Irish origins – https://www.leevalleyireland.com/Mobile/en/Blog/Halloween-and-its-Irish-origins/m-bl-8.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOooox2jnAJnlnsmfetayd4g3VLxBXqM8NSzEr9wWKx56WbPzOkWj
6. Unveiling the Haunted History of Halloween – https://ghschronicle.com/13566/features/unveiling-the-haunted-history-of-halloween/
7. From Pagan Roots to Redeeming Grace: Exploring the History of Halloween in Christianity | Sound of Heaven – https://soh.church/history-of-halloween-in-christianity/
8. Revealing Truth about Halloween – Pepperdine Graphic – https://pepperdine-graphic.com/revealing-truth-about-halloween/
9. What is Samhain? All about the Pagan holiday that inspired Halloween – https://nypost.com/article/what-is-samhain-halloween-origin-explained/
10. History of Halloween – https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1456/history-of-halloween/
11. Why Is Veil Between The Worlds Thinner At Halloween? – https://www.higgypop.com/news/why-is-veil-between-the-worlds-thinner-at-halloween/
12. Halloween Owes Its Tricks and Treats to the Ancient Celtic New Year’s Eve – https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/halloween-owes-its-tricks-and-treats-celtic-new-years-eve-180960944/
13. Unveiling the Mysteries: The Origins of Jack-O’-Lantern – https://blog.cubebik.com/origins-of-jack-o-lantern/
14. Why do we celebrate Halloween? Meaning and origin of this holiday – https://www.sortiraparis.com/en/news/halloween/articles/283004-why-do-we-celebrate-halloween-meaning-and-origin-of-this-holiday
15. Family & friends, not candy, define the true nature of Halloween – https://www.gonzagabulletin.com/opinion/family-friends-not-candy-define-the-true-nature-of-halloween/article_0bb5a500-faa4-11e9-a55d-cbc52e35a55c.html
16. Trick-or-Treat Through Time: The Ancient Celtic Origins of Halloween – https://the-footnote.org/2023/10/24/trick-or-treat-through-time-the-ancient-celtic-origins-of-halloween/
17. The Magic Of Halloween – https://medium.com/heart-speak/the-magic-of-halloween-06183250c293
18. Pagans and pumpkins: a Halloween history – https://www.expatica.com/global/lifestyle/holidays/halloween-history-512834/
19. When Halloween Was All Tricks and No Treats – https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/when-halloween-was-all-tricks-no-treats-180966996/
20. Halloween Around the World ‑ Traditions, Celebrations & Activities – https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/halloween-around-the-world
21. How Halloween Has Taken Over England – https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-halloween-has-taken-over-england-180953211/
22. The History of Halloween – https://www.americanheritage.com/history-halloween
23. Unveiling the Mysterious Origins of Halloween: A Fascinating Journey through History – https://pravinchandanofficial.medium.com/unveiling-the-mysterious-origins-of-halloween-a-fascinating-journey-through-history-b73c78b43f0f
24. PDF – https://www.eternalcog.org/media/The-Truth-about-Halloween.pdf
25. The history of Halloween – https://www.livescience.com/40596-history-of-halloween.html
26. Halloween’s Satanic Origins: A Full Investigation | WWBD – https://whatwouldbaledo.com/2022/08/20/nathan-fielder-halloweens-satanic-origins/
27. Halloween: A Celebration Rooted in Ancient and Modern Traditions – https://royalexaminer.com/halloween-a-celebration-rooted-in-ancient-and-modern-traditions/
28. The Tapestry of Traditions: Unveiling the Rich History of Halloween – https://safeschoolssouthflorida.org/the-tapestry-of-traditions-unveiling-the-rich-history-of-halloween/
29. Halloween’s past and present – https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20111028-travelwise-halloweens-past-and-present
30. The Secret and True Origins of Halloween by Creation’s Paths – https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creations-paths/episodes/The-Secret-and-True-Origins-of-Halloween-e2pmnpp
31. The Mysterious Bond Between Black Cats and Halloween: Unveiling the Spooky Connection – https://controse.com/blog/the-mysterious-bond-between-black-cats-and-halloween-unveiling-the-spooky-connection/
32. Where Did the Fear of Poisoned Halloween Candy Come From? – https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/where-did-the-fear-of-poisoned-halloween-candy-come-from-822302/
33. Unveiling the Mysteries of Halloween: A Journey Through Its Fascinating Origins and Timeless Traditions – https://brightoncollege.com/blog/unveiling-the-mysteries-of-halloween-a-journey-through-its-fascinating-origins-and-timeless-traditions/
34. The Fascinating History of Halloween Decor: Unveiling the Eerie Charm and Spine-Tingling Spookiness – https://dekorama.design/the-fascinating-history-of-halloween-decor-unveiling-the-eerie-charm-and-spine-tingling-spookiness-en/