What do you know about Halloween? Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in America, and yet its origins are misunderstood. Lisa Morton, the author of the book Trick or Treat: The History of Halloween, a six-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award®, and also a world-class Halloween and paranormal expert, attempts to clarify this divisive holiday. We discuss the history of the festival, related festivals like the Celtic Samhain and Catholic All Souls’ Day and its growth and popularity around the world in the twenty-first century. She discusses the impact of events like the global economic recession, as well as the effect Halloween has had on popular culture through literary works, films, and television series. If you are a fan of Halloween or if you just want to better understand this holiday, you are going to LOVE this episode!
Key Points:
- The Origins of Halloween: Discover the fascinating roots of Halloween, an often-misunderstood holiday, with insights from Lisa Morton, a six-time Bram Stoker Award® winner.
- Unmasking Misconceptions: Lisa Morton clarifies common misconceptions about Halloween, providing a deeper understanding of this divisive holiday.
- Historical Context: Explore the historical context of Halloween, its connections to Celtic Samhain, and the Catholic All Souls’ Day, shedding light on its evolution.
- Halloween’s Global Reach: Delve into how Halloween has transcended borders, gaining popularity worldwide in the 21st century.
- Impact of Global Events: Learn about the influence of significant global events, such as the economic recession, on the celebration of Halloween.
- Halloween’s Cultural Influence: Discover the profound effect of Halloween on popular culture, from literary works to films and television series.
Links:
Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween
Her newest book: The Art of the Zombie Movie
Atlas Obscura course she’s teaching
Fabric of Folklore Podcast Links