Halloween and Commemorations of the Dead

This book offers a thorough exploration of Halloween's history, tracing its origins from ancient Celtic festivals like Samhain to its modern, candy-fueled incarnation. It provides a global perspective on how different cultures commemorate the dead, connecting the dots between traditions like Mexico's Día de los Muertos and other worldwide observances. The narrative digs into the historical and cultural shifts that transformed a harvest festival into a night of costumes and trick-or-treating, offering a substantive look beyond the spooky surface.

Montillo presents this cultural history with a compelling clarity that will appeal to curious readers seeking more than just ghost stories. The global comparative approach is particularly effective, making it a strong resource for anyone interested in anthropology, folklore, or the shared human experience of honoring ancestors. By contextualizing Halloween within the broader spectrum of death commemorations, the book provides a richer, more meaningful understanding of why we celebrate the way we do each October.