The History of Halloween

The History of Halloween is fascinating in that it spans the pagan-to-Catholic-to-secular transition of the holiday we celebrate today. Parts of the world, notably Mexico, Latin America, Spain, have maintained the Catholic version of celebrating All Saints’ Day, All Souls' Day and the eve that precedes them as Hallowmas. Those areas that were swept by the Reformation and became more Protestant have either adapted the holiday to a secular version (England’s Guy Fawkes Day) or reverted to the pagan origins (The US and Ireland). The History Channel, as might be expected, has a great compilation of history and traditions of this haunting holiday that has become the second largest commercial holiday in America. Go check it out and be sure to go through all their links.