The Book of Hallowe'en

A concise cultural history traces how autumnal rites and sun‑worship, Celtic Samhain, Roman harvest customs, and later Christian All Saints and All Souls observances merged to form modern Hallowe'en practices; it examines beliefs about spirits, omens, witches, and fortune‑telling and surveys regional folk customs across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Brittany, France, and the Germanic lands, including Walpurgis traditions and American adaptations. The work pairs historical explanation with poems, illustrations, and practical material for readings, recitations, plays, and party entertainments, offering both interpretive background and usable resources for celebrating or studying the festival.