The document summarizes the origins and modern traditions of Halloween. It discusses how the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrating the return of ghosts, influenced the holiday. As Halloween spread to America, people initially rejected it but began having parties and telling ghost stories. To curb pranks, people started handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, the tradition known today. While some Christians are divided on Halloween, countries like Ireland celebrate it similarly to the U.S., while most of England does not recognize the holiday.

1. The Origins of Halloween
Presented by:
Cody Lawrence

2. What I Analyzed from The Survey Results
• 80% Celebrate Halloween
• 20% Don’t Celebrate Halloween
• 13% Don’t Celebrate because of
Religious/Cultural Purpose
• 33% Will Dress up and Party

3. The Festival of Samhain
•
The Celtic people celebrated their new year on
November 1st, they celebrated Samhain on the day
before known better as “All Hallows Eve”.
•
This Festival was in Ireland and celebrated the return of
ghosts that died during the horrific winters in the past.
•
Celtic Priests had bonfires where they sacrificed animals
and crops while predicting what would happen during
the winter.
•
Once the New Year hit the day after, it officially marked
the beginning of a cruel and gruesome winter that lie
ahead.

4. Modern Interpretations of Halloween
• When it came to America, Halloween was
rejected at first.
• As time progressed the holiday welcomed
Autumn and people sat around and told many
ghost stories.
• In the 1900’s people had parties, dressed up and
came together as a community.
• Kids started pranking and caused many
problems in communities.
• To keep kids out of trouble, people would hand
out candy to the behaved children.
• This is known as “Trick or Treating” today.

5. Religious and Cultural Beliefs on Halloween
• Christianity belief of Halloween in America is
very much divided.
• Mexico celebrates deceased ancestors.
• Ireland, the birthplace of Halloween, is
celebrated identically to that of America.
• Most of England does not celebrate the
holiday.

6. Conclusion
• It is hard to avoid Halloween every year, even
for those who respectfully choose not to
celebrate.
• Instead of mindlessly thinking of Halloween
as just a spooky holiday, I hope you
remember where it originated and how it is
molded into what it is today.

7. Conclusion
• It is hard to avoid Halloween every year, even
for those who respectfully choose not to
celebrate.
• Instead of mindlessly thinking of Halloween
as just a spooky holiday, I hope you
remember where it originated and how it is
molded into what it is today.