WVU experts say the spooky spirit of Halloween has resonated for centuries across the globe, with parallels in Celtic and Chinese festivals and medieval witch hunts. (WVU Photo/David Malecki)
From candy to cauldrons, Halloween’s favorite traditions have been brewing for thousands of years, according to West Virginia University religious scholars.
Aaron Gale and Alex Snow, associate professors of religious studies at the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, explained that modern American Halloween traditions have roots around the world, with many cultures besides the U.S. still celebrating the supernatural during events like China’s Festival of Hungry Ghosts.
Quotes:
“Halloween’s origins go back some 2,000 years to the Celtic druids, who celebrated Samhain, a fall festival that marked the changing of the seasons. The traditional colors of orange and black may have represented the shift from summer’s life and harvest to winter’s death and darkness. The Celts believed that the lines were blurred between the realms of the spirits and the living on Oct. 31. Out of fear, people left food offerings or disguised themselves so that wandering spirits wouldn’t recognize or harass them — practices that may have inspired modern trick-or-treating.
“The Halloween holiday began to take shape during the European witch craze of the Middle Ages. Thousands of people — mostly innocent women — were accused of witchcraft, and everyday household objects like cauldrons, cats and broomsticks became tied to the image of the witch. This ‘Golden Age’ of witches and the Devil helped create many of the visual symbols that still define Halloween today.
“European immigrants brought their traditions and superstitions to the New World. Practices like England’s ‘souling’ — children going door to door begging for food or money — probably evolved into modern trick-or-treating. By the 1920s, Halloween was a fixture of American culture, and by the late 20th century, it had become a multibillion-dollar industry built around costumes, candy and community.” — Aaron Gale, associate professor, religious studies, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
“The Halloween fascination with ghosts isn’t unique to Western culture — aspects of the holiday we know today have comparative manifestations across Asia, including the Philippines, Nepal, Hong Kong and especially China, where the Festival of Hungry Ghosts is celebrated annually on July 15.
“Many cultures in Asia and elsewhere view ghosts as the spirits of dead people that now wander the world of the living. They can be scary and haunting presences — traditionally best avoided or kept at bay. Some try to appease and avoid being haunted by them by making them offerings.
“The Festival of Hungry Ghosts is one of the most vivid expressions of this belief system. A popular class of ghosts in China, the ‘hungry ghosts,’ or ‘egui,’ have origins in Buddhist mythology and are portrayed as endlessly tormented by hunger and thirst. During the festival, offerings are made to ease their suffering and to remember ancestors who may have become ghosts. Much like Halloween, it’s a major cultural and economic event — one of reverence, fear and celebration.” — Alex Snow, teaching associate professor, religious studies, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVUToday.
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lj/10/22/25
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