For many, including myself, Halloween is a fun autumn holiday filled with trick-or-treating, costumes, candies, carving pumpkins, and ghoulish theme parties of wicked laughs and cheer. All Hallows Eve is a tradition brought to America by Irish emigrants during the 19th century. Given Halloween’s origins stemmed from pagan festival of Samhain when people worshiped Celtic deities around bonfires in costumes made from animal heads, the ceremony was harmless. Celts believed spirits of the dead returned to earth to wreak havoc and damage their crops. To appease Celtic Gods, they sacrificed animals and brought other offerings. As well as sacrifices, Druids (Celtic Priests) practiced divination (foretelling the future). They believed the presence of spirits on All Hallow’s Eve, made foretelling easier and would divine issues such as health, death, luck, and marriage.

All Hallow’s Eve, like many, is a tradition rooted in ancient pagan history—a means of an unsophisticated people to make sense of their environment. Does this make it an evil tradition? For more views on this topic check out:

Is Halloween An Evil or Fun Holiday? By E. Denise Billups

The History: Halloween – All Hallow’s Eve Is It An ‘Evil’ Holiday Or Fun? By Jina S. Bazzar

Halloween – Evil or Harmless Fun? By Lynn Sollitto

If you’re looking for frightening entertainment check out:

Five Must Read Horror Authors  By Didi Oviatt

Or if you prefer a blood-curdling horror movie, check out my lineup of horror flicks.

HALLOWEEN FLICKS: DON’T YOU LOVE GOOD FRIGHT? By E. Denise Billups

And while you’re reading or watching a movie with friends and loved ones this ghoulish night, try an old tradition of Soul Cakes with a warm cup of cocoa, tea, or spiced hot toddy. Find out about these tasty treats at:

Going A-Souling: Soul Cakes For Halloween Celebration by E. Denise Billups

All these articles and more can be found at

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!