halloween

From the days before, before, to the present. This DVD will bring out the love of the season for all of us.
Rating: 5 / 5

Narrated by Harry Smith (of CBS’s The Early Show), The History Channel’s “The Haunted History Of Halloween” is a neat little history of the pagan holiday known as All Hallows Eve, or simply “Halloween”. This DVD explores the deep and fascinating history that began 3,000 years ago by the Celtic tribes in Ireland. You’ll learn how Christianity became appealing to the Celts and how the new religion had merged with the old religion. You’ll learn how the ancient holiday called Samhain was absorbed by the Christians, though many pagans carried on old practices and beliefs under the name “Halloween” rather than “Samhain”. The roots of Halloween had been established. Martin Luther also had a huge impact on Christianity and Halloween by starting the Protestant Reformation. The Puritan opposition to Halloween in the American colonies is also discussed. This DVD also discusses the witch hunts of Europe and the American colonies, most notably in Salem, Massachusetts, which were designed to combat witchcraft and paganism. You’ll learn how Virginia was the birthplace of American Halloween and how Irish immigrants injected life into Halloween in America. Also discussed is the American pumpkin replacing the Irish turnip for jack-o-lantern carving, the widespread belief in magic and the occult throughout colonial America, and the symbolism of such classic symbols of Halloween as black cats and bats. Also discussed is Mexico’s Day Of The Dead on All Souls Day, which combines Christian and pagan elements.

Halloween’s popularity fluctuated throughout the twentieth century based on what was going on in America and the world during certain time periods and events. A little place called Anoka, MN is the Halloween capital of the world. The reason? Watch to find out. Also discussed is the post-World War II baby boomers who embraced Halloween with trick-or-treating and costume parties and are a big reason why Halloween is so popular today. The darker aspects of Halloween are also presented, such as pranks and vandalism, Devil’s Night in Detroit, poisoned candy, the huge uptick in horror movie making in the 1970s and ’80s, and Christian groups who are anti-Halloween.

The DVD concludes with the reality of today – that Halloween is the second biggest holiday in the U.S. in terms of total sales. A big reason is because the baby boom generation grew up with Halloween in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s and liked it, so they have carried that enthusiasm into adulthood by going to costume parties and decorating their homes, etc. They have passed that enthusiasm onto their kids. Generally, these days Halloween is viewed by most people as an opportunity to have a good time, whether they embrace the darker aspects of the holiday or not. Just go to a costume party. You’ll see everything from a belly dancer to The Joker to the Grim Reaper to President Obama.

If you want to get educated on the history of Halloween and its fascinating origins, then definitely buy this DVD. You’ll gain a greater appreciation for the darkest and funnest holiday of them all, Halloween. Extremely highly recommended.

Rating: 5 / 5