CULTURE: Halloween, between Celtic roots and American triumph…

Halloween: From Celtic Roots to American Popularity

Once limited to Anglo-Saxon countries, Halloween has become a central festival in Western culture symbolizing the remembrance of the dead. Today, it is associated with costumes, candy, and pumpkins, but its origins date back to ancient, rural traditions.

The Celtic Origins of Halloween

Halloween traces back to Samhain, a Celtic festival over two thousand years old, marking the end of the harvest and the start of the dark season. It was seen as a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. People lit bonfires and wore masks to protect themselves from roaming spirits.

Christian Influence and Transformation

With the spread of Christianity in Europe, Samhain was gradually incorporated into the church calendar. In the 8th century, All Saints' Day was moved to November 1st to align with pagan traditions. In Ireland, these customs have persisted in various forms relating to honoring the dead.

Halloween’s Reinvention in America

The Halloween we recognize today largely formed during the 19th century, shaped by the mass emigration of Irish people to the United States. This migration introduced and transformed the festival into a broader social celebration.

"It was in the 19th century, during the great wave of Irish emigration to the United States, that Halloween took on the form we know today."

Today, Halloween is a worldwide event, blending ancient mysticism with modern festivities.

Author’s summary: Halloween evolved from ancient Celtic ceremonies into a global celebration, shaped significantly by Irish-American influence and rich cultural layers.

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ENTREVUE.FR ENTREVUE.FR — 2025-11-01

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