Description
Halloween, once a sacred event rooted in ancient Celtic customs, has undergone a dramatic evolution over the centuries. Today, as we don costumes and indulge in sugary treats, it’s all too easy to overlook the intricate cultural his tory that forms the foundation of this celebration. This book delves into the layers of commercialism, religious resistance, and political correctness that have veiled Halloween’s true essence. From its origins as Samhain, an ancient holiday marking the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter, to its evolution into a night of revelry and mischief, Halloween’s journey is intricate. By unraveling the threads of pagan Celtic, Germanic and Slavic influences, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of beliefs woven into the fabric of ancient fall festivals. Why do we bob for apples? What is the significance of bonfires? Why did colonial Americans love divination games? Who is Stingy Jack, and why does he walk around with a ghostly turnip? Why have nations around the world adopted Halloween as their own, What ancient legends spurred vampires, werewolves, witches? Why do Americans embrace such frightening mythical figures as the Mothman? What ancient practices do we incorporate into today’s celebrations? This is a fun, heavily illustrated book, not a dense historical treatise. Softcover, 259 pages, more than 100 illustrations, bibliography, #1029.
