Dr Kelly Fitzgerald

Dr. Regina Sexton, a food historian, and Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, a folklorist from University College Dublin, explore the rich origins of Halloween. They dive into the traditional Samhain practices, revealing unique customs like turnip carving and the eerie Barmbrack cake, which foretells the future. Fitzgerald unravels the captivating Irish folklore surrounding the ‘three worlds’, sharing tales of fairies and spirits. Together, they illustrate how ancient traditions have evolved into the modern celebrations we know today, blending fun with deeper cultural significance.

Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore at University College Dublin, dives into Halloween's fascinating origins. She explains how the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain transformed as it traveled to America. Key topics include the community aspects of harvest gatherings, the intertwining of autumn and the supernatural, and how Christian practices reshaped these pagan traditions. Dr. Fitzgerald also explores the darker imagery of Halloween influenced by Victorian literature and the commercialization of costumes and candy.