The Evolution of Halloween: Pagan Roots and Modern Interpretations

This chapter investigates the historical origins and transformations of Halloween, focusing on its links to ancient Gaelic festivals like Samhain. The discussion touches on the tensions between pagan traditions and Christian practices, as well as the influence of modern paganism on contemporary culture. Personal anecdotes, literary references, and socio-political dynamics are woven into the conversation, culminating in insights about the complexities surrounding paganism's resurgence in the 19th and 20th centuries.