Overview
- An English Heritage curator argues Halloween is not an American import, tracing core customs like guising, lantern carving, and door-to-door visits to medieval practices in the British Isles.
- Medieval Christianity reshaped late‑October observances, as 11th‑century monks promoted All Souls’ Day, alms, masses, and soul cakes to aid those believed to be in purgatory.
- Data roundups show door-to-door traditions span many cultures and dates, from Scandinavia at Easter to New Year’s Eve in northern Germany and southern Denmark, St. Martin’s Day songs in parts of Europe, and Mexico’s calaverita during Day of the Dead.
- Features draw parallels with Indian observances that honor the dead, including Bhoot Chaturdashi, Pitru Paksha, Shab‑e‑Barat, Theyyam, Gai Jatra, and Odisha’s Bada Badua Daka.
- Contemporary pieces note heavy commercialization in the U.S.—including hundreds of millions spent on pet costumes—alongside a niche paranormal scene that relies on repurposed and purpose‑built gadgets whose reliability is often questionable.