History and Origins of
Halloween

Updated for
 Halloween 2007

Best of the Bunch: Halloween History Websites and Links

The Haunted History of Halloween: Video Set from the History Channel
Video Set
DVD Set
On October 31, when pint-sized ghouls and goblins knock on doors, they're actually carrying on a tradition that goes back thousands of years to the Celtic tribes of northern Europe. For centuries this night has celebrated mystery and chaos, a time between summer and winter, a time between life and death.

CBS This Morning host Harry Smith leads this 3,000 year tour through the history of the quintessentially pagan holiday which has survived to become one of America's most popular. Discover how trick or treat originated in ancient Ireland's harvest festivals, when food and sweets were offered to entice the dead to stay in the spirit world. See how Christianity tried to co-opt the celebration by turning it into All Saints Day, but how the underlying dark elements have survived, inspiring debate to the present day. From ghoulies and ghosties to the origins of the Jack-O-Lantern, THE HAUNTED HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN is a delicious journey into the enchanting past of the spookiest night of the year.

Halloween History and Customs
Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual?

The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en)...more...

Halloween History: Myths, Monsters, and Devils
Every year, right around Halloween, we are treated to an outpouring of what can only be described as "scare" literature telling us all about how the holiday is 'satanic' and evil, and should not be celebrated by Christians. These opinions are backed up with some rather unusual and very frightening fantasies masquerading as historical facts.

This article is -not- intended to address whether or not Satan exists, nor to show that 'witches' are all nice, grainola-eating vegetarians and tree-huggers who wouldn't harm a fly, nor is it an attack on Fundamentalist Christianity, but rather a discussion concerning some of the so-called 'facts' offered in some of the anti-Halloween publications...more...

The History of Halloween Plus Lots of Other Stuff

The History Channel's Annual Show
Tune in to The History Channel October 27 through 31, for Hardcore History: Trick or Treat Week! and other Halloween programming. Plus, remember to join us on October 31, at 7pm & 11pm ET/PT for our annual Halloween presentation of the History of Halloween. This year, on the last night of October, millions of children across the U.S.—dressed as everything from Powerpuff Girls to Harry Potter—will take to the streets to beg for treats from their neighbors. Adults, too, will join in the fun and, chances are, the night will spawn more than a few *N Sync look-alikes. But how much do you really know about this haunted holiday? For example, where was this spooky day first celebrated? And, what's the size of the biggest pumpkin pie ever baked? Also, how much do Americans spend annually on Halloween?