History Extra podcast Halloween traditions: everything you wanted to know
Oct 25, 2024
Professor Owen Davies, an expert in the historical origins of Halloween, dives into the holiday's fascinating evolution from a Catholic celebration to a spooky festivity. Discover why turnips gave way to pumpkins and the origins of trick-or-treating's mischievous roots. He explores the chaos of Mischief Night and the supernatural ties that make Halloween a liminal space for communicating with the dead. With insights into ghostly folklore and seasonal traditions, Davies reveals why we remain captivated by Halloween's eerie allure.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Halloween's Name
- Halloween is a contraction of All Hallows' Eve, with "een" being a shortening of "evening".
- This means Halloween simply refers to the evening before All Hallows' Day.
Origins of All Hallows' Eve
- All Hallows' Eve is a Catholic festival of the dead, part of All Hallowtide.
- While some believe it has Celtic origins (Samhain), evidence primarily points to Christian roots.
When Halloween Began
- Halloween's association with the dead dates back to the early Christian church.
- The 10th century is when it became fixed in the Western church calendar.